Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 days ago

Pottawattamie County board approves $6 million bond sale, adviser recommends Robert W. Baird The Pottawattamie County Board approved a resolution directing the sale of $6,000,000 in general obligation capital loan notes, series 2026, awarding the issue to Robert W. Baird at a reported TIC near 2.9984% and receiving $255,913.75 in premium; funds are expected to arrive on May 13.

Pottawattamie County supervisors have greenlit a $6 million bond sale, awarding the contract to Robert W. Baird with a promising interest rate of 2.9984%!

Get the details!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #PublicFinance #GovernmentTransparency

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

1 week ago

Pottawattamie County OKs electronic bidding for notes to fund police and emergency communications equipment The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors on March 31 approved Resolution No. 22-2026 to permit electronic bidding and distribute a preliminary official statement for the sale of notes to fund acquisition and installation of peace officer equipment and emergency communications systems; vote was unanimous.

Pottawattamie County just took a major step towards enhancing public safety by approving electronic bidding for new police and emergency communication equipment!

Learn more here

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyServices

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

1 week ago

Pottawattamie supervisors advance $6 million bond to fund public‑safety communications upgrades After a public hearing the board instituted proceedings and later authorized issuance of not‑to‑exceed $6 million in general obligation capital loan notes to pay for peace‑officer equipment and emergency‑services communications (towers, microwaves, consoles). Several votes recorded Supervisor Wichman in opposition to the bond steps.

Pottawattamie County supervisors have taken a bold step, greenlighting up to $6 million to enhance public safety communication and equipment—what will this mean for the community?

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #PublicSafety #EmergencyServices

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

1 week ago

Pottawattamie supervisors give preliminary approval to development agreement with RWE for wind project The Board granted preliminary approval for a development agreement with RWE Clean Energy LLC for the Pottawattamie Wind Project on Jan. 27, 2026, subject to final approval; the motion passed 3–1 with Supervisor Wichman dissenting and Supervisor Jorgensen absent.

Pottawattamie County supervisors have taken a significant step toward renewable energy by granting preliminary approval for the Pottawattamie Wind Project with RWE Clean Energy, but what does this mean for the future of energy in the region?

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Pottawattamie supervisors approve ES&S election machine purchase, roughly $600,000 The board approved the bid from ES&S for new election machines and authorized the chair to sign a purchase agreement for approximately $600,000 to replace county voting equipment.

Pottawattamie County is investing $600,000 in new voting machines to ensure a smooth election process—could this be the upgrade that changes everything?

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #VotingAccessibility #CivicTransparency #ElectionInnovation

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Pottawattamie County awards $4.85 million Tamarack Road resurfacing contract The Board accepted a $4,848,233.33 bid from Western Engineering Company to resurface Tamarack Road (Railroad Highway/G8L to Highway 59) and authorized the county engineer to execute contracts.

Pottawattamie County has just approved a $4.85 million contract to revamp Tamarack Road, paving the way for smoother journeys ahead!

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment #CommunitySafety #PublicAccountability

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Pottawattamie supervisors authorize $6 million bond for emergency communications upgrades After a public hearing and roll-call votes, the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors authorized up to $6 million in general obligation notes to fund peace officer equipment and emergency communications systems, including towers and consoles; the move drew one dissenting vote.

Pottawattamie County is set to invest up to $6 million in vital emergency communication upgrades, but what does this mean for your property taxes?

Learn more here

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #EmergencyCommunications #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureUpgrades

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Pottawattamie supervisors grant preliminary approval for RWE Clean Energy wind development agreement The board gave preliminary approval to a development agreement with RWE Clean Energy regarding the Pottawattamie Wind Project, subject to final approvals; the vote split 3–1 with one member absent.

Pottawattamie County is one step closer to harnessing wind energy as supervisors grant preliminary approval for the ambitious Pottawattamie Wind Project, but key negotiations still lie ahead!

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #SustainableDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Pottawattamie County supervisors approve veterans and weather proclamations, authorize disaster closeout and personnel changes The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors on March 24 approved proclamations for Vietnam War Veterans Day and Severe Weather Awareness Week, authorized 2024 disaster-recovery closeout actions, approved assessor rulings and two job descriptions, and voted to enter a closed session on real-estate business.

Pottawattamie County is set to honor Vietnam War veterans and promote severe weather awareness with new proclamations, all while making vital administrative updates.

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #VeteranRecognition #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Residents urge caution as Pottawattamie County holds public hearing on proposed tax levy At a public hearing on the proposed FY2026–27 county tax levy, multiple residents told the Board of Supervisors that rising assessed values and proposed rates will push seniors and fixed-income households to the brink; county officials said a large communications capital project and bonding, plus mandatory costs, explain the spending increase.

Residents in Pottawattamie County are sounding the alarm over rising property tax bills, pushing many on fixed incomes to the brink as they plead for action from local leaders.

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #HousingAffordability #CommunityInput #FiscalResponsibility

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

1 month ago

Pottawattamie County moves to issue up to $6 million in bonds for emergency communications upgrades The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 24 instituted proceedings and authorized the issuance of up to $6 million in general obligation capital loan notes to fund peace officer equipment and emergency communications systems, with a multi‑year levy schedule. Supervisor Tim Wichman cast the lone dissent on both measures.

Pottawattamie County is set to bolster emergency communications with a groundbreaking $6 million funding initiative, ensuring peace officers are equipped for every challenge.

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CivicAccountability #EmergencyCommunications #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

1 month ago

Pottawattamie supervisors approve $4.85 million bid to resurface Tamarack Road The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to accept a $4,848,233.33 bid from Western Engineering Company for HMA resurfacing of Tamarack Road and authorized the county engineer to execute the contract after required documents are received.

Pottawattamie County has officially approved a $4.85 million project to resurface Tamarack Road, ensuring smoother travels ahead!

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureDevelopment #LocalGovernment

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 months ago

Board authorizes chair to sign MOU to govern county trails coordinator hosted by Golden Hills The board authorized the chair to sign a memorandum of understanding that establishes a steering committee to provide high-level oversight of a county trails coordinator hosted by Golden Hills RC&D; day-to-day supervision and employment are through Golden Hills.

Pottawattamie County is taking significant steps to enhance trail connectivity with the appointment of a new trails coordinator, ensuring a collaborative effort for better local and statewide access.

Learn more here!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #TrailDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 months ago

Board authorizes CFO to sign Motorola milestone certification triggering next payment Board authorized the county CFO to sign a Motorola contract milestone certification after staff confirmed staged shipments and discussed milestone percentage and invoicing; board asked to be alerted before future payment requests.

Pottawattamie County's board just greenlit a critical milestone certification for the Motorola radio project, paving the way for the next payment amidst discussions on invoicing clarity!

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #ContractManagement

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 months ago

Votes at a glance: consent agenda approved; tourism funding, farmers‑market parking, speed signs, bond counsel and a loan‑hearing date The board approved the consent agenda, increased tourism funding to $70,000, granted downtown parking use for the Council Bluffs Chamber farmers market on a trial basis, directed installation of speed‑reduction signage for Neola, authorized Ehlers & Cooney as bond counsel, and set a public hearing for up to $6 million in GO capital loan notes.

Pottawattamie County's recent board meeting saw crucial decisions, including a boost in tourism funding and new initiatives for farmers markets and speed safety.

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #TourismFunding #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 months ago

Pottawattamie supervisors direct speed‑reduction signs for Neola, move to formalize jurisdiction before reinstating stop signs After months of local concern about speeding, the county directed Secondary Roads to install speed‑reduction signage at Neola’s north and south limits on Railroad Highway and authorized staff to draft a 28E intergovernmental agreement that would clarify joint jurisdiction and the process for future stop signs.

Pottawattamie County is taking action to enhance safety in Neola by installing speed-reduction signs, but will it be enough to protect pedestrians and children from speeding drivers?

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #TrafficControl #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 months ago

Pottawattamie County approves $11,610 SWIPCO membership, $6,000 for regional transit The Board of Supervisors approved $11,610 for Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) membership dues and $6,000 for Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) for FY26–27, with officials noting grant matches and a forthcoming joint participation contract with DOT.

Pottawattamie County just greenlit crucial funding for regional planning and transit services, paving the way for enhanced community support and infrastructure improvements!

Learn more here

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #EconomicDevelopment #PublicTransit #CitizenPortal #CommunityServices

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

2 months ago

County briefed on Tallgrass CO2 pipeline: permit issued, 1.53 miles in Pottawattamie County, county inspector role clarified County engineers and Snyder (inspector) updated supervisors that a permit for the Tallgrass CO2 (Trailblazer) pipeline has been issued, the county segment covers about 1.53 miles with an 8-inch pipeline, and the county will pass inspection payments through and may add administrative fees.

Exciting developments in Pottawattamie County as the Tallgrass CO2 pipeline project gears up with a newly issued permit and plans for construction to potentially kick off in February!

Get the details!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalSafety #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

3 months ago

Pottawattamie supervisors advance ordinance to add battery energy storage systems with strengthened safety rules The Pottawattamie County Board held a public hearing and gave first consideration to Ordinance No. 2026‑01 to add battery energy storage systems to the county zoning code, embracing NFPA‑855 safety standards, a 500‑foot minimum setback and developer responsibilities for firefighter training and on‑site emergency plans. Concerns about explosions and toxic‑gas risks were raised.

Pottawattamie County is taking a bold step towards safer battery energy storage with new regulations aimed at minimizing risks and attracting energy projects!

Learn more here

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #SustainableDevelopment #EnergyStorage #CitizenPortal #SafetyRegulations

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

3 months ago

County studies General Assistance operations as rents rise; staff pursue coordinated intake and partner collaboration County staff and the Western Iowa Service Collaborative outlined General Assistance operations, noting one‑time rent assistance and an interim disability reimbursement program, pressure from rising rents and reduced nonprofit capacity, and plans to pursue a shared regional intake and closer agency coordination to limit duplication and better serve households at risk of homelessness.

Pottawattamie County is stepping up its game to tackle rising rents and improve assistance programs, with plans for better coordination among local nonprofits!

Learn more here

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #NonprofitCollaboration #HousingAssistance #CitizenPortal #HomelessnessPrevention

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

3 months ago

Board approves opioid‑settlement funding plan to add county strategist and support community programs Pottawattamie County approved a proposed plan to allocate opioid settlement funds for 2026 that includes hiring a county 'community health opioid strategist,' staff training and a $75,000 contract with Methodist Health System for a high‑risk community health worker beginning July 2026; presenters said the fund balance and projected revenue make the plan sustainable over a multi‑year pro‑forma.

Pottawattamie County is set to transform community health with a new opioid strategist and funding for essential programs, ensuring a sustainable future for high-risk populations.

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #OpioidSettlement #CommunitySupport #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

3 months ago

Emergency‑management official says 2019 drainage projects closed but 2024 work is delayed by FEMA documentation and UEI requirements Iowa DHS/EM staff told the board that Pottawattamie County's 2019 FEMA drainage projects are closed and paid but that 2024 drainage‑district projects face new obstacles, including UEI/DUNS‑type registration requirements, stringent photographic maintenance records and public‑notice logistics that are delaying FEMA obligations.

Pottawattamie County has closed its 2019 FEMA drainage projects, but 2024 efforts are stalled by new bureaucratic hurdles that could hinder future progress.

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #FEMAProjects #EmergencyManagement #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

3 months ago

Board approves resolution to preserve option to reimburse 911 upgrade costs with bonds; vote 3–1 Pottawattamie County supervisors voted 3–1 to approve Resolution No. 72‑2025, which establishes the county's official intent to issue debt to reimburse certain project expenditures (notably a 9‑1‑1/Motorola upgrade); the motion preserves bonding flexibility but does not commit to an immediate bond sale.

Pottawattamie County's Board of Supervisors has taken a crucial step towards funding a $16 million 9-1-1 upgrade, sparking a debate on financial strategy and taxpayer impact!

Learn more here

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #FiscalResponsibility #PublicSafety #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

3 months ago

Pottawattamie County sets Jan. 13 hearing, approves fund transfer and contract changes for 9-1-1 Motorola upgrade The Pottawattamie County Board approved a packet of measures to advance a countywide 9-1-1 system upgrade with Motorola, including a $10.25 million transfer to capital projects, a $16 million budget amendment public hearing on Jan. 13, and a $0 change order that revises insurance and payment milestones.

Pottawattamie County is gearing up for a major 9-1-1 communications upgrade, with a public hearing set for Jan. 13 to discuss a $16 million budget amendment and critical contract changes.

Get the details!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

3 months ago

Advance reports 45 active projects, 10 landed in 2025 and 158 jobs retained or created Advance/Southwest Iowa Corporation told the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors it had 45 active projects in the pipeline as of Nov. 30, landed 10 projects in 2025 that created or retained about 158 full‑time‑equivalent jobs, and flagged a large data‑center (Project Edge) under construction with a public-record developer agreement.

Advance/Southwest Iowa Corporation reports a booming year with 45 active projects and 158 jobs created or retained, including a massive $200 million data center on the horizon!

Get the details

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #WorkforceDevelopment #BusinessRetention #EconomicGrowth #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

4 months ago

McClure update: roughly $6.2M secured for Minden recovery, $5.6M more sought McClure Senior Advisor Bethany Wilcoxon told the board the Minden recovery effort has secured just under $3.7M in grants and about $2.5M in local match (approx. $6.2M) and is pursuing another $5.6M in funding that would bring the pipeline to about $12.1M; an EDA water project estimated at $1.4M would leave a local match near $282,000.

Minden's recovery is gaining momentum with nearly $6.2 million secured and an ambitious plan to seek another $5.6 million for vital infrastructure improvements.

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalSustainability #InfrastructureDevelopment #CommunityRecovery

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

4 months ago

New Visions describes annual Christmas program and services for hundreds of area families New Visions Homeless Services staff described shelter, outreach and prevention work and detailed a community Christmas event set for Dec. 13 at the Iowa Sportsplex, capped at 800 families; the group said it spends about $300,000 annually to pay first-month rent and relies on volunteers and sponsors.

New Visions Homeless Services is set to transform the lives of 800 families this December with their impactful Christmas event, showcasing their dedication to outreach, shelter, and prevention work in Iowa.

Learn more here

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #HomelessnessPrevention #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

4 months ago

Pottawattamie County approves $16.2 million Motorola contract to upgrade 911 communications The Board of Supervisors voted to approve a $16,198,222 Motorola Solutions agreement to upgrade county 911 consoles, replace aging tower equipment, add sites and join the Issac statewide system; the board authorized bonding steps to finance the project.

Pottawattamie County just approved a groundbreaking $16.2 million contract with Motorola Solutions to revolutionize its 911 communications and enhance public safety!

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyCommunications #InfrastructureUpgrade

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

5 months ago

Votes at a glance: appointments, canvass, plat approval, call‑taker authorization and closed session The board carried multiple routine and substantive motions: consent agenda; canvass of second‑tier school election results; proclamations for National Adoption Day and GIS Day; final plat approval for Wonder Ridge (resolution 2025‑04); authorization to recruit four full‑time call takers; approval to send a UEI letter; assessor application approvals; and a roll‑call motion to enter closed session for litigation.

The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors made significant decisions including the appointment of new leadership, proclamations for National Adoption Day and GIS Day, and motions to enhance emergency communications.

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Iowa

@citizenptnewsia.bsky.social

5 months ago

Pottawattamie County approves four full‑time 9‑1‑1 call‑taker positions; board to identify funding The board approved job descriptions and authorized recruitment of four full‑time call takers for the county communications center to reduce dispatcher workload; first‑year cost estimated at about $307,793 and staff were tasked to find the money during ongoing budget negotiations.

Pottawattamie County is boosting its emergency response by adding four full-time call-takers, aiming to ease the pressure on dispatchers and enhance service efficiency.

Click to read more!

#PottawattamieCounty #IA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyResponse #WorkforceDevelopment