(Des Moines)– Two lakes area communities have named All-Star Communities for 2011. The recognition was bestowed upon Arnolds Park and Okoboji during the Iowa League of Cities annual conference held recently in Des Moines.
The award is one of the most prestigious honors given out by the League to Cities. Entries are judged by a panel of former city officials and others familiar with municipal government.
The two cities were recognized for the merger of the Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire and Rescue Department. The merger created a 28E stand-alone board with representation from both communities. The department submits a budget to both cities who are equal financial partners in the entity. Since the fire and rescue entity owns the equipment, it can seamlessly obtain insurance.
The agreement also includes buildings in each community.
In addition to Arnolds Park and Okoboji, other All-Star Community Award recipients this year were Auburn, Dubuque, Grinnell and Newton.
