At the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, our mission is clear: “Unifying and coordinating accountable economic and community development to enhance the quality of life in the Fort Dodge region.” As we strive to fulfill this mission, it is crucial to address the evolving challenges and opportunities that impact our community’s growth and well being.

Last fall, our Board of Directors engaged in a strategic planning session and identified public safety as a priority for our organization. Ensuring a safe community is essential for growing and attracting a skilled workforce and encouraging private investment. By investing in public safety, we create an environment where businesses can thrive and families can feel confident in their well being.

For many years, the City of Fort Dodge had the option to impose a franchise fee, but chose not to, as there was no need to charge for something unnecessarily. However, recent changes in state property tax legislation in 2023 have introduced new challenges that affect traditional methods of funding essential programs and services.

Due to these legislative changes, if property values increase beyond te city’s growth threshold set by the state of Iowa, a reduction in the new combined general fund levy will be required. This reduction means collecting less revenue than before, impacting Fort Dodge’s ability to fund the programs and services our community values.

To address these funding challenges, the city has proposed implementing a franchise fee for natural gas and electric services – a fee that many cities across the state have been implementing for years. This fee will enable our community to maintain and improve the quality of life services we rely on, with 100 percent of the revenue allocated to the Police Department, specifically for the addition of more police officers and community resource officers.

Why does this matter? A safer community with robust public services attracts businesses and private investments, leading to economic growth. This growth can translate into more local job opportunities, potentially higher property values and an improved local economy that benefits all residents. A well-policed, economically vibrant community with quality public services fosters a sense of pride and belonging.

These initiatives lay the foundation for long-term community resilience. A safe, economically stable and well-serviced community is better equipped to face future challenges, whether they be economic downturns or other crises. Even if you do not directly use all the services or feel the immediate impact of these police additions, they play a crucial role in shaping the overall health, safety and prosperity of the community we live in. Your support and understanding of these changes contribute to building a stronger, more vibrant community for all of us.

At the Growth Alliance, as we continue to unify and coordinate efforts to enhance the quality of life in the Fort Dodge region, your support is vital. Let’s work together to create a secure, thriving and vibrant community for current and future generations. By supporting the franchise fee, we are not only ensuring the safety and security of our community, but also fostering its growth and prosperity.

Together we can make Fort Dodge an even better place to live and work.

Astra Ferris is the chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.