- City expenses are rising (no spoiler there), but not everyone understands what that means or why it's occurring. Have a conversation locally about where you are currently seeing increases in expenses, where your city will see increases in the future, and what this means for your budget. Read more below.
- Time is flying by! The first day of the 2023 legislative session, January 9, is just around the corner. Contacting and building a relationship with your legislator is vital to advance pro-community legislation.
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Discussion Topic During October: Expenses
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This month's discussion topic is expenses. Inflation for municipal costs exceeds the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Personal finances and budgets differ drastically from public entities, but policymakers may not understand that.
Like businesses, the workforce continues to be one of the largest cost drivers for cities. However, cities have recurring infrastructure costs, whether it be transportation or water infrastructure, that expose them to the price fluctuations of inputs and materials, such as concrete, steel, and specially made parts.
The questions below are a starting point for conversing with city staff and community leaders, especially with your legislators. The goal of this discussion should be to understand city services, amenities, and budgets and the impact inflation is having.
- How have insurance costs changed over the past 1, 3 and 5 years?
- What are the largest expense categories in your community? Personnel, materials, debt?
- What expenses have increased the most over the past 2, 5 and 10 years?
- Have any expenses decreased over the past 2, 5 and 10 years?
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- The Iowa Administrative Rules Review Committee has approved the Iowa Fire Marshal's updates of the Local Fire Protection Grant Fund administration to allow for the purchase of equipment.
- This fund was created to train local fire and emergency response groups to safely mitigate firework hazards.
- Grants are available each year, with the application window open May through June, and more information can be found by following this link.
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- The Master Builders of Iowa is hosting a training on October 20 on Construction Manager At-Risk and the changes authorized via SF 183.
- Specifically geared towards local governments and owners, this presentation will be available in person at the MBI office and online. There is a $125 fee for attending in person and a $75 fee online.
- For any questions or help with registering, contact Ben Hammes at BHammes@MBI.Build.
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- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced a cybersecurity grant program available to local governments across the country.
- The nationwide program has $185 million designated to address cybersecurity risks to information systems in FY 22.
- Grant requests will be accepted through November 15 and more information and helpful resources can be found on the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program webpage.
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- The 2022 elections are right around the corner, which means it's possible you will have a new legislator come January 2023. Contacting your state elected officials and candidates now to start a dialogue could have benefits down the road.
- Want help in contacting your legislator? Contact the League's Legislative Team to ask how you can get involved by replying to this email.
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- The 2022 ARPA reports were due in April. However, many cities have not yet completed this report. These annual reports are required and failure to submit them could result in lost or clawed back dollars.
- This webpage was created specifically to help cities complete their requirements. Additionally, if you have questions, contact League Staff via this form.
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