Workforce Development office
 / KHQA file photo
There might be hope for Lee County's workforce development offices.
A group from Southeast Iowa got a chance to visit the state capital earlier this week.
Keokuk mayor Tom Marion says the group was able to talk with Governor Branstad about the planned closure of the offices in Lee County.
The mayor says it looks like there might be a review as to whether or not the offices in Lee County will actually close.
Branstad had proposed closing Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) offices throughout Iowa, including those in Fort Madison and Keokuk.
Some rural jobseekers would be forced to travel long distances to seek help from IWD offices in larger locations like Burlington, Iowa.
With unemployment levels at an all time high, especially in Lee County, these services are greatly needed.
Marion said he also told the governor about the concern he has in the possible cut in commercial property taxes.
The mayor says if it does pass the legislature, many cities across Iowa could see a big hole in their annual budget because of a drop in tax revenue.