Tama County Economic Development Update

Heath Kellogg attended Monday’s Tama Council meeting to give the Tama council members an update on the happenings with the Tama County Economic Development (TCED). Kellogg stated that there are many misconceptions about what the TCED does and does not do. One primary initiative is locating capital. The most recent example of that is the newly opened, Iowa Premium Beef facility in Tama. According to Kellogg it takes a lot of time, determination, and will power to bring capital development projects to this area.

One reason is that due to the size of our community, we are often too small to be on the radar of most regional development projects. To combat issues with population Kellogg packages Tama-Toledo along with small area towns such as Montour, Clutier, and Vining. TCED focuses on projects that can bring in 10-30 jobs at a time. Their main goal is to bring in projects that can turn into paychecks for local citizens.

Some may find Kellogg to be tight lipped about future projects and it’s for good reason. Kellogg has learned that capital development projects are not done until they are done. Meaning that leaking details prematurely can sometimes result in another community snatching the opportunity away. Although he was not able to disclose any particular details, he encouraged the council that there are currently irons in the fire for the future.

Community Foundation Grants Update

Mary Fasse-Shaw gave Tama City Council members on update on the Tama County Community Foundation. The Community Foundation is a public charitable foundation that holds many named funds, is supportably by individuals, families, organizations and businesses, and channels gifts from donors to non-profit organizations in the community. Anyone can give back to the community through the Community Foundation.

New 5K set

Do you like to run? How about running with your favorite canine companion? If that sounds like fun then the upcoming “Dog Jog 5K” might be just for you. Sara Murphy was on hand to request permission to host a 5K race on Saturday, June 6.

Murphy is an employee at the Meskwaki Settlement Schools and has gotten involved as a volunteer with the Tama County Humane Society. The 5K will be a chance to get out and exercise with your dog and also learn about the many animals available for adoption through the Humane Society. Murphy informed the council that there will be restrictions in place for the safety of the participants and the dogs. Participants will need to provide updated rabies vaccination paper work, dogs must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet, headphones are prohibited, runners must clean up after their dogs, and dogs must not be in the heat. Council members Doug Ray, Mike Carnahan, and Kenny McAdoo voted for and approved the 5K.

In other business:

-the council approved the third reading of an ordinance raising municipal water rates to $15.17 per month for the first 2,000 gallons used and $3.46 for each additional 1,000 gallons. This is a hike of two dollars for the initial usage and one dollar for additional consumption. The raise is projected to produce about $10,000 in additional revenue annually, which will be reserved in a fund for water system improvements.

-the 2016 Fiscal year budget was approved

-clean up week was discussed by the council. There was discussion about making clean up week strictly outdoor clean up such as tree limbs, rail road ties, tires, etc. In years past clean up has included inside household items such as electronics (for a fee). No decisions were made.

-council approved for one additional person to be hired as summer help.