Supervisors and KCED Discuss Plans for Community Center

SIGOURNEY – During the July 29 meeting of the Keokuk County Board of Supervisors, the board spoke with Gary Iosbaker of KCED about plans to create a new community center in Sigourney. According to Iosbaker, this community center would likely contain an indoor gym, track, a place to gather, and a kitchen. Iosbaker explained that KCED was interested in developing the community’s economic base and that the City of Sigourney was looking for new activities because the city pool is “coming to pieces.” Iosbaker explained the city needs 3% growth each year to continue providing services. He explained KCED was looking into an Iowa Economic Development Authority Rural BOOST Grant, which would match funds at a 2:1 rate and help kickstart the project. Iosbaker stated that the project will be more likely to receive the grant if it is supported by the county by having a supervisor or delegate work on the project. Iosbaker stated that KCED had already met with Matt Ives from Keokuk County Hospital and Clinics and Mike Bensmiller of the Sigourney School Board and that they were planning to meet with Kiwanis and local banks.

Supervisor Mike Hadley stated he was interested and that what is good for Sigourney is good for the county. Iosbaker agreed and stated that the City of What Cheer was also interested in the project, as a way to give kids something to do, although that comes with a transportation problem. Iosbaker said that Sigourney needs to find some way to grow the tax base and deliver services in the next five years, or the city will go over the event horizon and be difficult to save. Supervisor Daryl Wood stated he would be interested in working on the project, depending on the meeting time.

Iosbaker also talked about the new KCED website and recommended the county update its website, to look more modern and contain more information. County Engineer Andy McGuire informed the supervisors that a road safety workshop for law enforcement, first responders and school districts had been planned for September 27, funded by a SS4A planning grant.