(Spirit Lake)– A study into the possibility of city and county governments in Dickinson county sharing additional services has come back with no recommendations or conclusions.
Results of the study conducted by Iowa State University and paid for by the Dickinson County Taxpayers Association were presented at Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting.
Alan Jensen of Iowa State University’s Extension Community and Economic Development conducted the research, which consisted of a survey sent out to every city clerk or city administrator in the county and the County Auditor. That drew concern from some, including Supervisor Mardi Allen and Okoboji City Councilman Neil Christiansen. They contend the findings would have more merit if entire councils and the board of supervisors were allowed to give input. But Jensen said he was simply getting information only and did not want individual opinions to enter in.
Jenses says the results of his survey indicate sharing possibilities exist in the following areas: bridge inspection and maintenance; city equipment repairs; junk vehicles; street engineering and maintenance; street markings and signs; street tree care; traffic signs; solid waste collection; disposal and recycling; wastewater; storm sewer; zoning; subdivision regulation; law enforcement; fire and rescue; civil defense; animal control; legal services for personnel; personnel risk management; safety programs; and grant writing.
What happens from here is uncertain. It was suggested the Council of Governments be re-activated to serve as a conduit for further discussion.
The Taxpayer’s Association will discuss the issue at their meeting this Thursday (10/14).
