City officials are creating a handbook for developers and property owner to apply for tax abatements

The Decorah City Council Monday night again voted 4-3 in favor of a system of tax abatements for new construction that are designed to encourage home building in Decorah.  If the proposal is approved again November 3rd and then published in the newspapers, it will go into effect in early November.

As a result, City of Decorah officials have begun preparing a "How To Guide" that they can give to developers, contractors and property owners that explains the tax abatement program.

The handbook--which has not yet been finalized--will include an explanation of the tax abatements, along with forms that must be filled out and filed.

Meanwhile, Decorah City Council members agreed Monday night to set goals for the new tax abatement program, setting a specific number of new home constructions as a goal of the program.