NORTHWOOD — Worth County supervisors are taking another major step toward two significant county projects, setting a public hearing on a proposal that would allow tax increment financing to help pay for a new RV park and a new county administration building.
Supervisors Enos Loberg, Mark Smeby and A.J. Stone were all present for the September 8 meeting, with all recorded actions approved unanimously.
The board adopted Resolution 2026-26, setting a public hearing for 9:00 AM October 5 at the Worth County Courthouse on an expansion of the Worth County Consolidated Urban Renewal Area and an amendment to the county’s urban renewal plan.
The amendment would authorize the county to use tax increment financing, commonly known as TIF, toward construction, furnishing and equipping of both a new RV park and a new County Administration Building.
RV park project continues moving forward
The action comes as Worth County moves ahead with its sizable Monarch RV Park project.
The new urban renewal amendment would provide another potential financing mechanism for the project.
The proposed expanded urban renewal area includes property near Interstate 35 and County Road S-28, according to the resolution approved by supervisors.
The county’s Planning and Zoning Commission will review the proposed amendment and make recommendations.
Representatives of the Northwood-Kensett, Lake Mills, St. Ansgar and Central Springs school districts will also be invited to participate in the consultation process.
Members of the public will have an opportunity to submit written comments or speak during the October 5 hearing.
New county administration building included
The same urban renewal amendment would authorize TIF money to help pay for construction, furnishing and equipping of a new Worth County Administration Building.
The September 8 minutes do not provide a projected cost, detailed design or construction timetable for the administration building.
Those details could become clearer as the county continues the urban renewal process and considers public input.
The move comes during a year of substantial investment in Worth County facilities and infrastructure.
NIT previously reported that supervisors hired a county facility maintenance coordinator and approved more than $732,000 in claims during an August meeting, while other recent meetings have included major road, conservation and building expenses.
$64,490 Public Health roof project approved
Supervisors also approved a $64,490 bid from Springer Construction to reshingle the entire Worth County Public Health Building roof.
The bid does not include any additional roof sheeting or rafter repairs that may be discovered once work begins.
Those repairs would be billed for materials plus labor at $40 per hour.
Road, drainage and employee actions approved
The board approved final acceptance and release of retainage for Project L-100-73-98 on Fir Avenue.
Supervisors also approved drainage district work orders for Drainage District No. 54 and Drainage District No. 21, Lateral C/8.
Salary changes were approved for secondary roads employees Zach Hayden and Jason Holtan, setting their pay at $29.66 per hour.
The board also acknowledged manure management plan updates for Johnson South, site No. 67913, and Johnson North, site No. 67912.
Supervisors approved a Municipal Advisor Engagement Letter and Dissemination Agent Agreement between UMB Bank and Worth County.
The September 8 meeting lasted approximately 12 minutes, with supervisors adjourning at 9:12 AM.
The board’s recent activity follows an August meeting in which Worth County supervisors approved more than $856,000 in claims along with drainage work and housing-related action.