Tax Abatement
RESIDENTIAL: All qualified real estate assessed as residential property is eligible to receive exemption from taxation, except tax levies imposed by the Emmetsburg School District, on the first seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) of actual value added by the improvements. The exemption is for a period of five (5) years.
New Construction Housing Grant
$20,000 grants are available for new, owner-occupied single family dwellings within the City of Emmetsburg thanks to funding from Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation.
- Grant funds are for construction or acquisition of a new single family home within corporate limits that has not previously been occupied.
- Property must be the applicant’s primary personal residence
- Appraised value or actual cost of the home and land must be between $200,000-400,000.
- Grant funds are disbursed by the city to the lender at the final closing or to the applicant directly upon occupancy if no lender is involved.
GUIDELINES AND APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL
Healthy Homes Grant
The Healthy Homes program offers participating property owners a dollar-for-dollar match up to $500 on qualifying exterior improvements. Eligible improvements include air sealing insulation, ENERGY STAR certified doors and windows, exterior paint, trim, shutters, siding, soffit, fascia, flashing, ventilation, gutters, roofing, foundation repair, sidewalks, mailboxes, house plaques, exterior lighting, and ash tree removal and replacement. Funds may not be used for interior construction, additions, or detached structures.
Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund
The Housing Trust Fund provides grants and/or loans to low to moderate income homeowners to make necessary home repairs. Repairs eligible for assistance include basic structural repairs, roofs, windows, siding, insulation, electrical upgrades, furnace replacements, plumbing repairs, septic tank improvements, hot water heater replacements, lead based paint reduction, exterior ramps, and accessible bathroom facilities. Households under 30% of the Area Median Income limits are eligible for a forgivable grant up to $12,500. Households between 31-80% of the Area Median Income limits are eligible for a combination of a forgivable grant/loan up to $12,500 and a low-interest loan (2%) up to $25,000.
| FY23 Income Limit | 1-2 Person Household | 3-6 Person Household | 7 Person Household | 8 Person Household |
| 30% Income Limit | $28,950 | $33,292 | $33,975 | $36,168 |
| 80% Income Limit | $77,200 | $88,780 | $90,600 | $96,450 |
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT NORTHWEST IOWA PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: 712-262-7225 ext. 139
