Hawarden city leaders are beginning work on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, with City Administrator Jacob Stoner saying the primary goal is to maintain services while working to reduce the property tax rate.
Stoner says there are no major structural changes in this year’s proposal, but officials are balancing ongoing costs with targeted investments.
One of the larger considerations this year involves tree removal. Public Works Director Travis Waterman says the Iowa Department of Natural Resources recently completed a full inventory of trees located on city property, including parks and right-of-way areas.
Based on that inventory, Waterman requested an additional $50,000 in the upcoming budget to contract removal of ash trees that are dead or dying.
In addition to budget discussions, council members also addressed housing development connected to a $60,000 Downtown Catalyst Grant pass-through tied to post-flood recovery efforts.
Community and Economic Development Director Carol Hoogestraat says the funding is part of a disaster program administered by the governor’s office and the Iowa Economic Development Authority to help address housing shortages following flood damage. The grant is supporting upper-story housing units in several downtown properties, including three units above the Willow Tree building, two units at 800 Central Avenue, and two additional units above Gypsy Soul.
City officials are also nearing completion of a new park shelter house to replace one destroyed during flooding. Rentals are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Much of the council’s focus in the coming weeks will remain on finalizing budget details and continuing coordination on flood recovery efforts.
