(Spencer)– The outgoing mayor of Spencer has some strong words for lawmakers in Des Moines, as they gear up for another session. They’ve once again made property tax reform a major goal when the Iowa Legislature reconvenes January 13th, 2026. Steve Bomgaars says any new restrictions on local governments will hinder their ability to serve their citizens…
“We need the tools. We need tax increment financing. We need the state not to take away tools that we presently have. It will be very difficult for the city to provide the services, the amenities, the infrastructure, good schools. The city of Spencer is obviously not in the school business, obviously, but we have to have good schools in rural Iowa. And yes, we want as low as property taxes and fees as possible, but if the state freezes our ability to raise property taxes for needed infrastructure, needed amenities, it is going to hamstring rural communities.”
Bomgaars adds any new restrictions would threaten the very livelihood of smaller towns, making it harder for them to compete with larger cities when it comes to attracting residents and economic development…
“Our rural communities are competing right now with central Iowa and those of you that travel to central Iowa, you see what central Iowa communities have, the larger communities. You see the amenities. You see the commercial districts. You see all of the facilities that they have. We cannot attract businesses and we cannot attract young families without having good infrastructure, good amenities, all of those kinds of resources and services that the people in rural communities depend upon.”
In his final address to the community as Mayor, Bomgaars thanked the residents of Spencer for allowing him to serve them. He referred to a number of challenges and accomplishments during his tenure, most notably the flood of 2024. Bomgaars cited the community’s resiliency and ability to pull together in times of need.
Bomgaars says he and his wife Marty plan to travel and spend more time with family, but he isn’t ruling out the possibility of additional public service in the future.
Donavon Wunschel will succeed Bomgaars as Mayor at the stroke of midnight tonight. Bomgaars didn’t seek re-election.
