HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - April 8, 2025, Special Meeting of the City Council Minutes
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA APRIL 8, 2025
The Special Meeting of the Ames City Council was called to order by Mayor John Haila at 5:15
p.m. on the 8th day of April, 2025, in the City Council Chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue,
pursuant to law. Present were Council Members Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Tim
Gartin, Rachel Junck, and Anita Rollins. Ex officio Emily Boland joined the meeting
telephonically. Council Member Amber Corrieri was absent.
PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY FOR
FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2025 - JUNE 30, 2026: Director of Finance Corey Goodenow and
Budget Manager Nancy Mastellar presented the proposed Property Taxpayer statement for the
City of Ames. Director Goodenow noted that the Public Hearing was needed to fulfill State
Code. He clarified that after the Public Hearing the City Council could lower the rate of property
taxes but would not be able to increase proposed property taxes. Director Goodenow noted that
the actual rates the City proposed were different from statements that were sent to residents by
the County Auditor. Instead of the 14.92% reflected in the letters, the real impact would be
increases of 4.48% for residential properties and 2.89% for commercial properties. Furthermore,
Director Goodenow highlighted that staff had developed a property tax calculator for the City
portion to allow residents to accurately estimate their property taxes. He noted that City taxes
comprise one-third of the total tax rate and are the only category the City has jurisdiction over.
Mayor Haila opened the Public Hearing.
Jason Maquardt spoke to express his opposition to property tax increases and community
concerns on absorbing proposed tax increases from the local school districts.
Mayor Haila closed the Public Hearing when no one else came forward to speak.
Director Goodenow stated that the final Public Hearing for approval of the budget would be set
for the City Council Meeting on April 22, 2025. After the final Public Hearing staff will submit
the budget to the Iowa Department of Management by the end of April.
ADJORNMENT: Moved by Betcher, seconded by Beatty-Hansen, to adjourn at 5:34 p.m.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
______________________________________ __________________________________
Grace Bandstra, Deputy City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
_____________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk