Storm Lake, Iowa | https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=536342871861513&set=a.228526259309844&__tn__=%2CO*F
Storm Lake, Iowa | https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=536342871861513&set=a.228526259309844&__tn__=%2CO*F
The city of Storm Lake has an outside agency funding program, and at its January council meeting, members heard all the requests for the upcoming fiscal year though the council has to make sure all the requests comply with rules.
"Before we get into the specific requests, it's important to review the rules, opinions and guidance given by the state of Iowa relating to private use of public funds, which has come under increased scrutiny in recent years,” Financial Director Brian Oakleaf said, according to a video of the meeting. “So as I think we know and as a refresher over the last couple of years, especially since COVID, the Office of the Auditor of State has really focused on city and county dollars going to private firms and nonprofits, educational things. This type of funding that we're going to be discussing now is really under a microscope. And there is plenty of opinions out there and laws and directions and rules that we need to follow.”
The requirements for receiving these public funds are strict; the city can only provide money to these organizations for the explicit purpose of community development or if they are in a services contract. The nonprofit also has to provide accounting for how they spend these monies.
The council spent some time hearing from representatives of all the firms that had requested part of this funding in the upcoming year. Members will deliberate and determine the exact amounts given at future budget meetings, but here are some items on the wish list.
One request is for the Lighthouse project, which is seeking $12,000 to fund 10 fiberglass lighthouses painted by local artists. These would then be placed throughout the community as a beautification effort. This would be the third round of this project, with lots of interest in the previous round.
Another request came from Imagine the Possibilities, which requested $500 to cover portions of a waterpark ticket for residents with disabilities so that they can enjoy opportunities given to everyone else.
The Wittier Gallery has requested funding for multiple projects, including $10,000 as a grant match for the Mosaic Mural Project, $15,000 for the replacement of the original 1972 flooring and $2,000 for creating a hands-on area for art creation.
Upper Des Moines Opportunity requested $10,000 to continue supporting families in need and ensuring they can stay in their homes in the community. Upper Des Moines provides programs like heating assistance, food assistance, and weatherization, and has contributed more than $500,000 back into the Storm Lake community in 2022.
Another came from Storm Lake United, which requested a total of $50,000 for tourism enhancement and visitor outreach, including $15,000 for Wood, Wine & Blues and $3,000 for live music. This organization hosts multiple events in the community throughout the year and focuses on bringing more economic opportunity to the city.
This year’s requests total $102,500, up from last year’s $95,000. The final amounts that are approved will be paid out of the city’s general fund, which is funded by the city property taxes collected from residents.