Montezuma Housing & Property Improvement Assistance Available
New homeowners, existing homeowners or rental property owners may be eligible for up to $10,000 in housing assistance through the Region 6 Housing Trust Fund.
Existing home owners living in Montezuma (rural and residential, and throughout Region 6) may be eligible for this program, certain requirements apply. Up to $10,000 in housing improvement assistance is available. It may be provided in the form of a forgivable loan and some may be repayable depending on income. Rental property owners may qualify for a 2% APR 5 year mortgage.
Region 6 HOME Program
This forgivable loan program is designed for first time home buyers in Montezuma (rural and residential, and throughout Region 6) who wish to purchase homes in need of rehabilitation. The forgivable loan issued through this program is extended to a 10 year period. The project allows up to $24,999 for hard construction and will allow for extra dollars for lead safe improvements. It covers all aspects of home improvement with the exception of remodeling. This program only assists with rehabilitation.
The typical eligible improvements under the program include:
Roofing, replacement siding, replacement windows and doors, new soffit and fascia, new gutters, minor electrical and panel improvements, painting, insulation, furnaces, hot water heaters, and other items that are needed to meet program requirents.
Both the Housing Trust Fund and HOME Program are administered by the Region 6 Housing Commission. Please visit www.region6planning.org for more details on the program or to obtain an online application. Or you may contact Donna Sampson at 800-417-4699 or dsampson@region6planning.org.
Montezuma Energy-Star Rebate Program
Montezuma Municipal Light & Power and the Montezuma Natural Gas Department are working together to make it easier for residential and commercial customers to implement green practices in homes and businesses. The 2012 rebate program, which in effect until the end of the calendar year, encourages customers to adopt energy-efficient measures to offset the costs of increasing energy demands, and the ability to continue negotiating competitive rates for the consumer. The rebate program includes reimbursements towards the installation of energy-efficient lighting components, Energy Star Rated appliances, HVAC upgrades and weatherization improvements. Interested persons should call the city office at 641-623-5012, or to pick up a copy of the program specifications Monday through Friday between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Montezuma Sidewalk Repair Program
The City of Montezuma would like to remind residents that matching funds are still available for the subsidized Sidewalk Repair Program. In order to qualify, applicants must follow the repair and reconstruction guidelines in accordance with the provisions of the City Ordiances and follow prescribed specifications, which are available from the City Office. The maximum length of sidewalk reimbursement is 132 feet per property, with the maximum allowed price for removal and replacement of sidewalk at $20 per linear foot. The city will reimburse 50% of that cost or $10 per linear foot. Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis until the funds allocated for the year have been expended. Interested persons should call the city office at 641-623-5012, or to pick up a copy of the program specifications Monday through Friday between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Montezuma Community Development is proud to announce that Montezuma has received a 2012 grant through Paint Iowa Beautiful. The Poweshiek County Historical Society and Museum will receive up to half the grant with plans to improve existing window and door frames, and railings at both of their facilities on the south west side of the square. The remainder of the grant is still available for one business or home in Montezuma. The projects must be completed by volunteers and occur in the 2012 calendar year.
The program that partners with Diamond Vogel Paint, provides free paint to a wide variety of public service projects throughout Iowa. "This nine-year partnership with Keep Iowa Beautiful Allows Diamond Vogel to assist and work with many local volunteers that help build pride in their communities where they live and work," said Doug Vogel, Vice-President, Trade Marketing, of the Iowa based company. "Our company has awarded over 6,000 gallons of Diamond Vogel paint to over 275 projects in over 120 communities."
Gerald Schnepf, Executive Director of Keep Iowa Beautiful added, "The Paint Iowa Beautiful program helps us increase our assistance to neighborhoods, communities, historic projects and other public service organizations in improving the attractiveness and beauty of our home areas. These projects definitely improve the beauty of Iowa, its countryside and its communities."
Keep Iowa Beautiful is a non-profit organization affiliated with Keep America Beautiful. Program efforts include litter reduction, public nuisance abatement and beautification programs.
Diamond Vogel is an Iowa based, family owned company started in 1926 by Andrew Vogel. It serves 13 states with seven manufacturing facilities and over 60 service center outlets providing Architectural Finishes, Industrial and Original Equipment Finishes and Home Decorating Products.
For more information, please contact Montezuma Community Development at MontezumaIowaOrg@yahoo.com or 641-623-7600.
Get 10 Free Trees for Your Property in Montezuma
The Arbor Day Foundation offers 10 Free Ornamental Trees through their $10 Membership Program. Based on Montezuma's growing region, new members are eligible for 2 White Flowering Dogwoods, 2 Flowering Crabapples, 2 Washington Hawthorns, 2 Eastern Redbuds and 2 Goldenraintrees. $10 annual memberships also include a 33% discount on other tree purchases, a subscription to the Arbor Day newsletter which includes helpful gardener tips, and a copy of The Tree Book. For more information on personal and gift memberships or to begin receiving your 10 free trees, go to www.arborday.org. Remember to call 811 before you dig!
