I wanted to provide some additional information about the town hall on Monday, as there have been rumors and inaccurate information being spread around town. Below is what was originally posted on the city webpage and what I read at the meeting on Aug 31, 2026. The council wanted to have the first meeting scheduled quickly, in order to provide some information to the residents, as well as hear our residents’ questions and concerns and determine what additional information the residents of Buffalo would want to see prior to the referendum (where the residents would vote yes or no to the sale of the water/wastewater systems to Iowa American Water). We are finalizing financial information on the history of rate increases; water/wastewater revenue/expenses; information on the city’s debt; and a list of the major repairs/upgrades we have recently completed. We will start posting this information on the city’s webpage and continue to update, as well as to post the appraisals of our systems and the Asset Purchase Agreement. The council will also be working on a projected water/wastewater rate increase for the next several years if the water and wastewater systems are not sold, so residents will be able to have that information prior to the referendum. We believe that the referendum vote will not take place until March 2027 (I had heard the news said it would be in the November 2026 timeframe, but this is not true). How we got to this point over the last several years (not just this council, but also previous councils): ·         Current water/wastewater rates were established when operating and capital costs were lower. As well as the councils didn’t want to cause additional financial burdens to the residents/businesses.

• The systems have recently required significant repairs, replacement, regulatory improvements, and/or upgrades. There have been several repairs and upgrades that have cost a significant amount of money; i.e., painting/repair of the water tower $359,850; well #1 repairs $83,636; diesel pump $42,868; new lift station pump $10,512; fire hydrants $110,210.
• The city has a responsibility to maintain reliable service and meet regulatory requirements. In the past there have been many complaints about hard water, discolored water, water smell, etc.
• The council was reviewing how the city could sustainably fund for future repair/upgrades while keeping rates as reasonable as possible.

The council reviewed the current rates and estimated the required future rates, required capital improvements and the possible future costs; and decided to explore selling the water/wastewater systems to Iowa American Water, since their water rates might be lower than what the city rates would need to be. The current council wanted to let the residents vote on selling the water/wastewater systems, it is not a done deal, that is where you, as residents will be able to vote. We are not asking residents to decide whether to sell the system before understanding the facts. We are asking the community to participate in evaluating whether continued city ownership or if Iowa American Water provides the best long-term value, reliability, and affordability for our residents. We received several questions from the meeting and we will be providing those questions/answers on this page, so that all residents/businesses will be able to receive the same information. Iowa American Water also will be providing the questions they were asked and will be providing answers. There will be additional townhalls in the future, which will be posted. Comments at the beginning of the Town Hall - Our city is facing an important decision regarding the future of our water and wastewater systems. This is not a decision we are taking lightly. Our water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructures, and we understand how important affordable, dependable service is to every household and business in our community. Over the years, the City councils have worked hard to keep utility rates affordable. While that has benefited residents in the short term, it has also meant that rates have not kept pace with the increasing cost of maintaining, repairing, replacing, and upgrading aging infrastructure. At the same time, the City has existing debt and other financial obligations. Addressing those obligations while also finding the money needed for water and wastewater repairs and improvements presents a significant challenge. Continuing to own the systems may require additional borrowing and significant increases in utility rates in the years ahead. I recognize that the possibility of selling a city-owned utility raises questions and concerns. Those questions and concerns deserve to be heard. The city has set up a QR code and sheets at a table, so that folks can ask questions, which the city will compile all the questions and answers to share with all residents. Information posted on the city webpage prior to the town hall:
The Buffalo City Council held a meeting August 19, 2026 to discuss the possible transfer and operation of the water/wastewater utility to Iowa American Water. The City Council approved an Asset Purchase Agreement regarding the sale of the water utility and this sewer utility. The approval of the Asset Purchase Agreement was simply the first step in the process and per Iowa law requires the approval of the water sale by a referendum allowing the residents to vote on the future of the town’s water system and not just a vote by the city council. The sale of the wastewater utility does not require a referendum vote by the residents, but the city council negotiated in the Asset Purchase Agreement to allow the residents to have the ability to approve the sale of both systems. This issue has been discussed with the previous and current council members, who took the time to review the assessment of the water/wastewater systems; what would be required to maintain and improve the current systems (to prevent PFAS, hard water, and discolored water); how our rates would have to be increased for operation/maintain/improve the systems; how to maintain the quality of the water; the cost of annual licenses/training/tests. These previous meetings were closed sessions, per Iowa code section 388.9, due to discussing present or imminent competitive information. The goal is to ensure long-term reliability, infrastructure sustainability, and financial stability for years to come for all residents. The referendum will give our community a direct voice in determining the path forward for our local utility infrastructure. To ensure all residents are fully informed before casting their ballots, the city will host a series of public information meetings. Representatives of Iowa American Water and the City will be available to discuss the proposal, answer questions, and provide details of the transition. The first public information meeting will be held August 31, 2026, at 5:00-6:30 pm, at the Buffalo Community Center.Brochure Information