City of Knoxville, Iowa

Over the past 2 years, Habitat for Humanity of Marion County Iowa and the City of Knoxville have partnered financially to apply for a Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund (CIHTF) grant for a Critical Home Repair Program. Habitat for Humanity was awarded funding from CIHTF both years lifting their program off the ground. In 2023, 12 homes were granted funds for a total of $100,000 in repairs. In 2024, 11 homes were granted funds for a total of $118,000 in repairs. At the most recent city council meeting Habitat for Humanity requested funds from the City’s low to moderate income (LMI) fund in order to apply for the grant in the upcoming year. The City's LMI funds are generated by a percentage of taxes on a residential tax increment financing (TIF) agreement. The percentage generated and requirements on how the money can be spent are regulated by the State of Iowa. The funding request of $30,000 was passed unanimously. These matching funds will assist Habitat in applying for the CIHTF grant once again in 2025 in hopes to continue with their successful Critical Home Repair Program. The City of Knoxville appreciates Habitat for Humanity’s work in getting this program off the ground and administering it over the past few years. It’s of great need in Marion County and our hope many more families will benefit from. Additional information about the program is available here: https://lnkd.in/gDR7ecYV

It’s paving day!! ?? The mainline of Main Street will be paved today using a paver. It’s a neat process to watch if you never have. From there, parking areas, curb and sidewalks will be framed and hand poured over the next few weeks. #streetscape #roadconstruction #paving #downtownprogress

Please complete the Police Department Application (fillable MS Word document) not the Employment Application Form (fillable PDF). Submit applications via email to [email protected], by mail, or bring them to the Knoxville Police Department at 305 S. 3rd St., Knoxville, IA 50138. If you have any questions, please call 641-828-0541. Applications are due on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Where are you interested in seeing future development and improvements in Knoxville? As part of Knoxville's Comprehensive Plan we'd like to know! Scan the QR code and utilize the Crowdsource Map to tell us what you'd like to see! Mark your calendars for the Knoxville Comprehensive Plan Open House on September 25th!

Our September newsletter has been posted! https://lnkd.in/gC45UkQt Included in this issue you'll find: ??Municipal Message - from Mayor Hatch ?? Community Development Announcements ??Public Safety News ??Library & ??♀?Rec Center activities ?? Reminders ?and more, enjoy!

As of August 26, 2024 the deed has been recorded and the City of Knoxville now has ownership of 102 N. Lincoln (former middle school property). This transaction takes place as a result of community partnerships between the City of Knoxville and Knoxville Community School District aiming to enhance the quality of life for all residents of our thriving community, without increasing property taxes. In the near future, this site will become the new location for the City of Knoxville Police, Fire, Rescue departments and City Hall. This new facility will provide a working environment for our community’s first responders that meets current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, improved functionality for the department’s day to day operations, and substantial improvements in safety and security needs. The location for the new facility was determined as a result of a Geographic Information System (GIS) location study that was completed in March 2023. The study considered public safety response times, property ownership railroads, contours, adjacent properties, etc. The full study results can be located at www.knoxvilleia.gov In 2021, as a result of the City’s Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) renewal which included ballot language providing funding for the new facility, this project will be completed with no increase to property taxes. Currently the City is under contract with Wendel Architecture, P.C. to design the new facility and are working towards a groundbreaking in Summer 2025. The City of Knoxville is appreciative of the collaboration with the Knoxville Community School District to ensure this project is able to move forward without being a burden to our taxpayers. We look forward to the continued partnerships with our community leaders to ensure Knoxville remains a thriving and vibrant community for our residents.

The City of Knoxville is undergoing a process to update the City's Comprehensive Plan. A Comprehensive Plan supports the city's endeavors to accomplish its goals, objectives, and policies formulated during the planning process. The ultimate goal of a Comprehensive Plan is to ensure the wellbeing of Knoxville residents now and into the future. The Comprehensive plan provides the legal basis for the establishment of zoning and subdivision regulations to implement the plan. We're currently requesting community members to complete a community survey to provide input that will assist in the development of the Knoxville Comprehensive Plan. Your input will help guide the development of goals and policies to support Knoxville's planning and growth for the next 20 years. We appreciate your time and input!

EXCITING NEWS!!! Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced more than $37 million in workforce housing tax credits to develop housing across the state. The awards will support 62 housing projects that are expected to create more than 2,000 residential units. Of the 62 projects, Knoxville was awarded 2 projects that will be adding additional housing within the Veterans District!! Origin Homes will be building 5 additional houses with a few variations from their initial phase. Huegerich Construction will be building a 36 unit apartment complex on the south side of West Pleasant. We’re thrilled to see additional development and much needed housing within our community. We’re also thankful for the Thriving Communities designation that assisted Knoxville in receiving these project awards!

Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a proclamation declaring August 18th through August 24th as Water and Wastewater Workers of Iowa week. This marks the 14th year that a governor has signed a proclamation honoring the water and wastewater workers of Iowa. It is a week set aside for Iowans to honor those workers in the water and wastewater industry for their commitment to their community, to public health, and to the environment. Water and Wastewater Operators throughout the state of Iowa are unsung heroes in our communities. We take for granted the work they do each and every day to provide Iowans with safe, affordable drinking water. The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU) encourages all members to thank the water and wastewater workers in their communities. The City of Knoxville would like to thank Knoxville Water Works, Knoxville Water Reclamation, and Marion County Rural Water District for the work that they do.

Knoxville is thrilled to receive an extension in our Thriving Communities designation for 2025! Were hoping to continue to leverage this incentive with new housing project over the next few years!