The Iowa Legislature has passed SF 634, a measure that clarifies the property tax procedure counties and cities must follow. Iowa Farm Bureau backs the measure. Director of Government Relations Don Peterson says it provides clarity as to how local governments operate and helps taxpayers understand the process they go through.

He says the legislation requires cities and counties to publicize what property tax measures they’ve passed and to have a two thirds vote before allowing any property tax increase over 2 percent.

Peterson says the bill allows for better interaction between taxpayers and local government officials.

Municipal governments opposed the bill saying it would place an undue burden on and infringe upon the authority of local government. Peterson says it doesn’t keep local governments from taxing at whatever level they think is necessary, it just makes them go through a couple of more hoops.