The Mahaska County Board has approved on first reading a plan on dividing tax revenue from new windmills in the northern part of the county.  County Board Chairman Willy VanWeelden was asked how much revenue could come in to the county.  “I have very rough estimates.  Over a 20 year period, it could be more than $30 million.”  VanWeelden says most of that money will be earmarked for road repairs in the county.

“We have roads designated, because you have to have roads designated in the plan which you’re going to upgrade and fix.  And we’ve put a rough estimate of $20 million on that.  But that’s going to be up to the upcoming Board which roads to upgrade and which not, and still make it work out with North Mahaska Schools and not taking all the money from them.”

VanWeelden says it will be another year before that tax revenue begins coming into Mahaska County.  North Mahaska School Superintendent Angela Livezey says she’s happy with the arrangement. The ordinance needs to be read twice more at County Board meetings before it takes effect.