Year 3 of the Iowa Linked Up Campaign

RIITA has partnered with Iowa Network Services and the Iowa Telecommunications Association in this three year effort to educate and inform Iowans about Iowa's Independent Telecommunications Companies. 

Check out further updates at www.iowalinkedup.org .

Iowa Property Taxes Continue to Rise in Spite of Decreased Revenues 

By Todd Thorson, Partner
Kiesling Associates LLC
 
The Iowa Department of Revenue (DOR) has recently sent out their tentative property tax assessment notices for telecommunications providers. Generally the assessments have been higher and in some cases significantly higher despite the recently issued FCC Broadband plan.
 
We have analyzed the data of 142 local telephone companies consisting of ILEC's, CLEC's, and fiber transport companies with property in Iowa. Of the 142 companies, 99 of them saw an increase from the prior year. The total increase in assessed values for all companies was 13% with the average increase on a company basis being 19%. The average assessed dollar increase was $225,000 resulting in additional property tax expenses of approximately $7,000 per year.
 
The DOR has taken some new positions in this year's methodology that created automatic increases in assessed values. Some of these were reversions back to old methods after beneficial changes were made in 2011.

More News

• New Interactive Website Provides USF Data
• Kiesling Report on Rate of Return

Our Mission

To foster the success of Iowa's community based communication service providers through regulatory/legislative advocacy, facilitating member access to knowledge and resources, as we promote the critical value our members play in their communities.

Join the Campaign

Not a Member yet?Click here to learn about our Membership.

Tell your story

Celebrate your accomplishments or express your concerns about issues impacting your company.Read more...

Write Congress and the Iowa Legislature

We continue to make a difference ONLY when we stay involved in the political process. It's important to develop relationships with your Congressional delegation and Iowa legislators.Read more...

Send letters to the editor

Educating our customers and community about developments impacting local telecommunications services is key to a strong advcocacy program.Read more...

Write the FCC

FCC Commissioners need to hear not only from the large company lobbyists, but from the rural, independent telephone companies serving our communities. The real world needs to be shared with those inside the Washington beltway.Read more...

A special thank you to the 2013 RIITA Conference & Expo Diamond Sponsors!

ANPI
BEC Technologies, Inc.
Calix
Central Cable Contractors, Inc.
Huntel Engineering
Metaswitch Networks
Mid America Computer Corporation [MACC]
Midwest Underground Supply LLC
MP Nexlevel, Llc
Oak Hill Consulting, Inc.
Power & Tel
Slabach Construction Co., Inc
Vantage Point Solutions