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Okoboji Council Votes 3-2 To Continue Membership In Water Quality Commission

November 16, 2023 Steve Schwaller

(Okoboji)– The Okoboji City Council Tuesday evening voted to renew its membership in the Dickinson County Water Quality Commission another three years, but it wasn’t unanimous.

The city had some concerns after learning recently its share of contributions to the commission would be increasing substantially due to a growth in valuation in the city over the years, a main factor that’s used in determining how much each entity pays. Councilman Dan Sanders…

“You’re asking the city for 14 percent of your budget and yet Arnolds Park, which has more shoreline, more housing units, more population and actually more value in dollar amounts, you’re asking them for 11 percent. So, I guess, we’re just saying fairness in the funding of the Water Quality Commission should be of utmost importance. And I’m sorry that you did it this way for 20 years, but that doesn’t mean moving forward that things can’t change.”

Water Quality Commission Coordinator John Wills says he looked at several different funding mechanisms and none of those appeared workable…

“Some cities would be hurt extraordinarily much and not receive a benefit except for property taxes being continually lowered. Yeah, you could argue that they may be don’t receive the same property tax benefit that maybe a $3 million home on the lake would benefit.”

The motion for the city of Okoboji to continue it’s membership passed 3-2 with council members Julie Andres and Jim Hentges voting no.

Council members did take solace in a change in the agreement that says the contribution amounts will be reviewed every six years.

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