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Kinser gives update on city administrator position

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO City Administrator Jessica Kinser speaks to Rotary about her first few months at work and her first impressions of Marshalltown.

Tom McCoy got things started with the Tuesday edition of the Marshalltown Rotary luncheon meeting with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Carol Hibbs, Curt Hoff, Bruce Wirin and Dean Elder introduced guests. President Bill Fitzgerald noted the upcoming District 6000 “Vision 2020” meeting April 19. The focus of this meeting will be member engagement and having fun, things the Marshalltown club is no stranger to. The district conference at Coralville in May is another great opportunity for members to get exposed to what Rotary does locally and around the world.

Gary Schaudt then introduced City Administrator and newest Rotarian Jessica Kinser to present an update on the City of Marshalltown. First impressions include a city equipped with very competent department heads, many of which were in the room. She has observed a great combination of people in elected positions in Marshalltown, people who care and are committed. Kinser is a product of Walnut and graduate of Iowa State University. She began her duties in Marshalltown in November and held the same position in Clinton for three years. Kinser was named 2015 City Manager of the Year in Iowa. Two of the topics discussed in recent goal setting sessions for the city were continuous improvement of city organization and services and partnering with others to improve quality of life. Kinser was pleased to report that getting the budget for this year certified is ahead of schedule. Property taxes make up 44 percent of the budgeted revenue stream and there is no proposed increase to the $15.78/$1,000 levy. There are plans later in the month to discuss proposed changes in how local option sales tax is used. Other items of interest were the police and fire building project, the dangerous and dilapidated building program, and the MEGA-10 Park renovation that was the program topic at Rotary last week.

Fitzgerald closed the meeting by encouraging members to visit the Marshalltown Rotary Facebook page and give it the thumbs-up. The Marshalltown Rotary Club was established in 1915 and has had a tradition of service to the community. Of the more than 35,000 clubs in existence, Marshalltown was the 185th club chartered.

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