Referendum
FAQ
How can I vote if I am away for the winter? You will be able to do an absenteeism ballot (just be sure to check the timeframe/rules for completing this type of vote).
Will any city employees be laid off or lose their job if the water/wastewater sell to Iowa American Water? There is no plan to layoff any city employees.
What will happen to the money received from the sale? The council has discussed but not decided what to do with the money. This will be an agenda item on future council meetings for discussion.
When is the referendum vote? At this time, we believe it will be in March 2027.
Doesn't the state law require 2 bids to sell a utility? No, the law states that 2 appraisals are required, which was completed. Appraisals should be added by tomorrow.
Who pays for the special election vote (referendum)? Iowa American Water will pay for the special election.
If the residents vote no, does the council have the right to override? No, if the referendum does not pass, the council cannot override the vote.
If the referendum passes, how long before it takes effect? The purchase would still have to be approved by the Iowa Utility Board, so it will take months after the vote.
How will this affect the Fire Department? Iowa American Water will not charge the Fire Department for water used to fight fires.
Why is our debt not listed tonight? To best utilize our resources, the city wanted to find out what information the residents wanted prior to preparing many documents that were not needed. Link for Debt, including FY and total debt.
FY25 Water $-753,658.10, FY24 Water $-513,254.40, FY23 $-136,751.37, FY22 $-168,530.01
FY25 Sewer $-347,672.06, FY24 Sewer $-363,350.10, FY23 $-265,517.12, FY22 $-295,434.86
The cement plant often uses a high volume of water that uses all the water out of our water tower, is Iowa American Water aware of this? We are made aware of when any of our businesses have an event that causes a high volume of water, which is not on a regular basis.
Will senior citizens or veterans get a discount? There are no discounts with Iowa American and there are no discounts available for veterans or seniors if Buffalo continues to be the provider.
More questions will be added.
Will any city employees be laid off or lose their job if the water/wastewater sell to Iowa American Water? There is no plan to layoff any city employees.
What will happen to the money received from the sale? The council has discussed but not decided what to do with the money. This will be an agenda item on future council meetings for discussion.
When is the referendum vote? At this time, we believe it will be in March 2027.
Doesn't the state law require 2 bids to sell a utility? No, the law states that 2 appraisals are required, which was completed. Appraisals should be added by tomorrow.
Who pays for the special election vote (referendum)? Iowa American Water will pay for the special election.
If the residents vote no, does the council have the right to override? No, if the referendum does not pass, the council cannot override the vote.
If the referendum passes, how long before it takes effect? The purchase would still have to be approved by the Iowa Utility Board, so it will take months after the vote.
How will this affect the Fire Department? Iowa American Water will not charge the Fire Department for water used to fight fires.
Why is our debt not listed tonight? To best utilize our resources, the city wanted to find out what information the residents wanted prior to preparing many documents that were not needed. Link for Debt, including FY and total debt.
FY25 Water $-753,658.10, FY24 Water $-513,254.40, FY23 $-136,751.37, FY22 $-168,530.01
FY25 Sewer $-347,672.06, FY24 Sewer $-363,350.10, FY23 $-265,517.12, FY22 $-295,434.86
The cement plant often uses a high volume of water that uses all the water out of our water tower, is Iowa American Water aware of this? We are made aware of when any of our businesses have an event that causes a high volume of water, which is not on a regular basis.
Will senior citizens or veterans get a discount? There are no discounts with Iowa American and there are no discounts available for veterans or seniors if Buffalo continues to be the provider.
More questions will be added.