The hot, dry weather through much of June and July has left gardens, lawns and golf courses parched. Only regularly watering has kept the Palmer Hills Golf Course fairways green. The high temperatures and lack of rain are predicted to continue, worsening the local corn and soybean crops.

Last monthís receipts, which ended fiscal year 2005, showed a large increase of $43.5 million compared to June 2004. In total, fiscal year 2005 receipts exceeded the Revenue Estimating Conferenceís (REC) estimate by nearly $78 million. In April 2005, the REC estimated that FY 2005 would see an increase of $214.6 million, or 4.1 percent growth, in state receipts. Actual year-to-date revenues have increased by 6.8 percent, or $311.7 million, as compared to FY 2004. The final numbers on FY 2005 will not be in until the books are closed late September, but unlike other years the stateís budget has some wiggle room for the unexpected.

Gross personal income tax revenues received in June totaled $216 million, an increase of $12.4 million, (6.1 percent) compared to June 2004. For the fiscal year, income tax receipts increased by 7.3 percent. The REC estimated a 6.1 percent growth in personal income tax for FY 2005. Withholding receipts in June dropped for the second time. May and June withholding receipts decreased $27.4 million (-7.2 percent). This is the only troubling spot in the sea of good news. Changes in the withholding tables implemented in April are expected to reduce tax revenues, but this drop exceeds the projected impact of the table changes. This will be something to watch for in the coming fiscal year.

Sales tax revenues received in June totaled $151.6 million, an increase of $24.6 million (19.4 percent) compared to June 2004. Juneís increase compensates for a drop in May due to a large amount of receipts received in May and not deposited until June. For the fiscal year, sales tax receipts increased by 4.6 percent. The REC estimated an increase in sale tax receipts of 3.8 percent for FY 2005.

Corporate income tax receipts in June totaled $44 million, an increase of $4.7 million (12.0 percent) compared to June 2004. For the fiscal year, corporate income tax receipts increased by 19.6 percent. The REC estimate equals an increase of 8.2 percent for FY 2005.

Finally, other tax receipts in June totaled $63.4 million, a decrease of $9.4 million (-12.9 percent) compared to June 2004. For the fiscal year, other tax receipts decreased by 3.0 percent. The REC estimated a decrease of other tax receipts of 3.7 percent for FY 2005.

Tax refunds paid from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005 totaled $702.9 million, a decrease of $0.6 million (- 0.1 percent) compared to the previous year. Refunds issued during the cash year were approximately $18.0 million higher than projected by the REC.

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View a map of single family homes and condominiums under construction in Bettendorf. Click a marker on the map for the address and builder at each location. The map also has a satellite view. The map is interactive by using the controls on the left, or by clicking and dragging the map. Zoom in for a better view.


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Construction has begun on a new, larger Goodwill Store at Cumberland Square Shopping Center, Bettendorf. The new store will be on the north side of the existing shopping strip and will replace the existing Goodwill store at Cumberland. A second strip mall of 7,200 square feet also has been approved for construction just north of Cumberland Square for office and retail use. A similar retail building was completed along 18th Street last year and now is occupied by a Chinese restaurant, a meat market and a chiropractic office. After years of sitting vacant, the tract of property on the north side of Cumberland Square will be nearly fully developed with completion of the two new buildings.

Light rain and a cool breeze greeted this year's July 4th parade through downtown Bettendorf. Despite the wet weather, children lined the parade route on State and Grant Streets to catch candy from the passing floats and politicians. Below, the Bettendorf High School cheerleaders perform along the parade route. For additional parade photos, click on the "Read More" link below.

Bettendorf-Pleasant Valley girls softball teams square off Thursday evening at Crow Creek Park. Area diamonds are busy places as teams and parents enjoy the summer leagues. Team all-star games in most of the youth leagues are scheduled during the coming July 4th weekend.

The new marina next to the Isle of Capri casino opened for business last year, and boaters have begun to make use of the seasonal slips. The marina dock also is where the Channel Cat Water Taxi now stops in Bettendorf on its regular route between Davenport, Moline and East Moline. In the distance on the Illinois shore is the KONE Elevator Company's testing facility and at right is the Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge, more commonly known today as the I-74 Bridge between Bettendorf and Moline.

The Bettendorf Park Board held a regular meeting on May 11, 2005 at City Hall in the Council Chambers at 7:00 pm.

Present: Kamp, Beckman, Gackle, Glenn
Absent: Makoben

Chairman Glenn opened the meeting to anyone present to address the Board regarding any item of interest that does not appear on the Agenda.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Beckman, that the bills be allowed, and that the Secretary be instructed to have checks drawn in the respective amounts.

Roll call on motion: Ayes: Kamp, Beckman, Gackle and Glenn
Nays: None

A list of the bills is annex #1 to these minutes.

Chairman Glenn opened the public hearing to receive community input on the proposed plans, specifications, and form of contract for the Palmer Hills Golf Course Clubhouse Project. The public hearing notice was published in the Quad City Times on May 7, 2005. The Affidavit of Publication is annex #2 to these minutes.

Tim Downing made a presentation regarding the Palmer Hills Golf Course Clubhouse. The building will remain on the same site as the current clubhouse. Tim showed a diagram of the cart storage area inside and under the deck. The kitchen equipment will be bid separately. The building is 448,000 square feet on each floor with about 2,400 square feet of outside deck area. The budget is projected at $1.5 to $1.7 million. Schedule includes completing the bid do*****ents by June 20, opening bids approximately July 20, tear-down beginning the first week of October, construction of the building beginning mid- to late-October, moving into the Pro Shop by April 2006, and completing construction by the first of May 2006. They are checking on the cost differential for a sprinkler system for the upper level.

Robin Andrews, 2174 Hogan Court, adjacent property owner, an architect and enjoys playing golf at Palmer Hills. He thinks this improvement is long overdue and offers tremendous amenities and thinks the City should be proud of it.There was no written correspondence.

Chairman Glenn closed the public hearing.

On motion Beckman, seconded by Kamp to adopt Resolution #26-05 approving plans, specifications, and form of contract for the Palmer Hills Golf Course Clubhouse Project.

Roll call on motion: Ayes: Kamp, Beckman, Gackle and Glenn
Nays: None

The Bettendorf Park Board held a special meeting on May 10, 2005 at 4:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Present: Kamp, Beckman, Gackle, Glenn
Absent: Makoben

Rita VanWetzinga reviewed the recreation monthly report, which is annex #1 to these minutes. She discussed renting Life Fitness Center pool time to the swim club next year. They would be using it Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7-8:30, which will allow us to accommodate our heavy-use programs at other times. The pool needs to be utilized more and it this will bring in some revenues. Commissioner Gackle asked about doing something with Bettendorf schools. Rita distributed financial information concerning the Life Fitness Center.