Residential tax abatement program approved for another year

People wanting to get a property tax break by building a home in Decorah will be able to do so next year.  The Decorah City Council has approved extending the existing program for another year.

The system of tax abatements is set to expire at the end of 2017, which is why it may be important for the city to participate in a housing study getting underway because of Winneshiek County Development.  City council members on Monday night approved the city's financial participation in the study after City Administrator Chad Bird noted that the results of the study should be ready in time for next year's city council discussion about whether to extend the program beyond 2017.