Hawarden, Iowa — A northwest Iowa mayor has used a rarely-used part of his power to veto a city council decision that would have eliminated the community’s Economic Development Director position.
The Hawarden City Council had voted 3-2 to eliminate the city’s economic development director position during a meeting held on November 13. But that decision was deemed unlawful because it was based on an oral motion, not a resolution, and did not provide ample time for discussion. In the special meeting, a resolution was brought to the table.
Council member Monte Harvey, who initiated the November 13th motion, at that time cited financial concerns as the reason for eliminating the position. Council members Kristi Warner and Patty Anderson supported the motion, while Derek Allen and Rob Klocke opposed it. Harvey argued that the decision would save the city money, but did not provide data on the financial contributions of the economic development department. Klocke countered that Economic Development Director Carol Hoogestraat’s efforts have brought in significant grant money and revitalized downtown businesses.
This week’s special meeting drew significant community attention as over 100 community members gathered in the standing-room-only chambers, even spilling out into the hallway, to advocate for retaining Hoogestraat. The diverse assembly included business leaders, school officials, investors, builders, business owners, and a non-profit charity leader.
During the meeting, twelve community members spoke passionately in favor of Director Hoogestraat, highlighting her positive impact on the town’s development. Hoogestraat herself addressed her supporters, expressing gratitude for their unwavering backing. The council members were not silent either; four of the five shared their thoughts.
After hearing the community input and the council comments, the council once again took a vote on the resolution to eliminate the economic development director position. The vote narrowly passed with a 3-2 margin. However, in a pivotal moment, Mayor Larry Gregg utilized a city ordinance that grants the mayor veto power over council resolutions. This ordinance allows the mayor to veto an ordinance, amendment, or resolution within 14 days of its passage and requires the mayor to provide a written explanation of the reasons for the veto.
Mayor Gregg invoked this ordinance to formally veto the passage of resolution 2024-32, outlining ten reasons in a written message to the council. With this action, the resolution to eliminate Hoogestraat’s position was overturned. If the council wishes to revisit this resolution, they would need a four-vote majority.
(Courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KSOU in Sioux Center)
