Nichols

The next T-R candidate profile focuses on Ward 3 City Councilor Greg Nichols, who represents roughly the southwest quadrant of the community and serves as the manager of IT remote services at Jenzabar. Nichols won a special election to replace Dex Walker in 2023, and he will be seeking his first full four-year term on the council in an uncontested race. Friday’s edition will spotlight the four candidates seeking two available at-large seats.

What is your personal, professional and educational background, and why are you running for a seat on the Marshalltown city council?

Greg Nichols: I’ve lived in Marshalltown for most of my life. It’s where I got married, raised my children, and built a life rooted in this community. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business and I am the Manager of IT Remote Resources at Jenzabar, a company headquartered in Boston which provides system and technical support to colleges and universities across the country. I’ve worked remotely for over 20 years, choosing to remain in Marshalltown. I’m running for City Council because I care about Marshalltown’s future and want to do my part to help our city grow stronger and move forward.

In general, do you feel like Marshalltown is headed in the right direction, and if not, how would you propose reversing that course?

Nichols: I believe Marshalltown is moving in the right direction. I’m optimistic about the revitalization of the mall, the expansion of local businesses, and the progress being made on Main Street. These are all signs of positive momentum. That said, there’s still important work ahead–especially when it comes to our streets. With 114 miles of roadway, many in poor condition, we need to develop and implement a long-term, sustainable plan for repair and maintenance. We must also increase our coverage to ensure that improvements are consistent and impactful across the city.

Nichols: I’m concerned about the balance between the city’s income and expenses. While the state has imposed restrictions on the revenue side, it has not provided corresponding relief or funding to offset rising costs. This puts the city in a difficult position. As a result, the council has had little choice but to transfer funds from the Local Option Sales Tax to help balance the general budget. However, at the current rate of reserve depletion, we will soon face some tough decisions. We need to take a proactive approach — evaluating spending priorities, evaluate revenue opportunities, and making plans to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Do you feel that the city is currently appropriately staffed with approximately 150 to 160 total employees, and would you advocate for hiring additional staff in any particular departments if elected?

Nichols: I believe the city is currently thinly staffed. If I could prioritize adding personnel, it would be civil engineers. We have funding available in our Road Use Tax account, and we have a clear need–we have streets which require significant repair and maintenance. Right now, our options are limited: either wait until our current staff has the capacity to take on additional projects, or hire outside firms at a higher cost. Investing in in-house engineering capacity would allow us to be more proactive, cost-effective, and efficient in addressing our infrastructure needs.

Goals for growth have been discussed several times in recent years, but Marshalltown’s population has essentially held steady at about 27,500 residents. Do you believe the council and the city’s current strategies to attract new residents and businesses are working, and if not, how would you recommend changing them?

Nichols: Marshalltown is the place I’ve chosen to live, and I believe it has a lot to offer. I think the mall revamp is an example of others seeing opportunity here as well. I believe we have great opportunity when we support the businesses we already have and encourage the growth of locally owned enterprises. By creating an environment where small businesses can start, grow, and thrive, we not only strengthen our local economy but also make Marshalltown a more attractive place for new residents.

The condition of the city’s infrastructure is a frequent topic of discussions at council meetings. If elected, how would you prioritize street repairs and do you believe that amenities such as the Linn Creek District projects also play an important role in making Marshalltown a better, more attractive community in the future?

Nichols: I consider streets and transportation in Marshalltown a high priority. Yes, I believe our parks and community amenities play a role in making Marshalltown an appealing place to live and visit. While no single project is a game-changer on its own, collectively, they make an enjoyable environment that is part of our quality of life.

Do you agree with the council’s decision to grant a 20-year TIF incentive for the redevelopment of the Marshalltown Mall (now known as the Shops at Marshalltown), and what would your strategy be to ensure that it becomes a productive asset for the city and keeps more Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) dollars within Marshalltown?

Nichols: Yes, I support the council’s decision to grant a TIF incentive for the redevelopment of the mall. The TIF is a rebate on the increased property value resulting from their investments and improvements — it does not eliminate the base property taxes currently being paid. As the improvements are made a portion of the increased property tax is rebated with the percentage of the rebate decreasing over time until they pay full rate on an investment of millions of additional dollars. This redevelopment has the potential to bring new life to an important commercial area in our city. A thriving retail center will help keep more Local Option Sales Tax dollars in Marshalltown and encourage area residents to shop locally.

Do you feel that the downtown reconstruction project has been positive for the city, and how would you advocate for supporting businesses that may be struggling as a result of it?

Nichols: Yes, the downtown reconstruction initiative is a positive step forward for Marshalltown. The improvements to building façades, the restoration of the courthouse, and the much-needed upgrades to streets, sewers, and utilities–some of which hadn’t been addressed in over 100 years — are all important investments in our city’s future. I recognize that construction can be disruptive for local businesses. I support the cities and better business bureau efforts to keep us all informed, project efforts to ensure access to businesses are minimally disrupted, along with back entrance lighting and access. I would especially encourage all residents to support our future by continuing to support our downtown businesses. I see this as an investment in our future.

Do you believe the city should take ownership of the former downtown hospital property, and what, if any, role do you think the mayor and council should play in the redevelopment process?

Nichols: This is a complex situation. Under Iowa Code, the property clearly qualifies as abandoned, hazardous, and a public nuisance. The city has both a legal and moral responsibility to protect public health and safety. Ideally, a private developer would purchase and redevelop the site. However, the building is in severe disrepair, contains asbestos, and likely has other unknown hazards. Acquiring the property through a sheriff’s sale carries significant risks, as the buyer would assume liability for existing liens, unpaid utilities, taxes, and other encumbrances. These factors must be carefully considered. Alternatively, based on the condition of the property, Iowa Code 657A provides a legal pathway for the city to gain ownership through the courts. While this process involves legal and court expenses and may take longer, it helps reduce unforeseen financial risks. If the city is compelled to intervene for public safety, we must explore all available options. The goal would be to partner with a qualified developer(‘s) who can help address the environmental challenges, minimize costs to taxpayers, and ultimately transform the site into something that benefits Marshalltown’s future.

Why are you the most qualified candidate for the seat you are seeking?

Nichols: I bring a strong combination of personal commitment, personal and professional experience to this role. I’ve lived in Marshalltown most of my life, raised my family here, and have a personal investment in the success of our community. I respectfully ask for your vote for Marshalltown City Council, Ward 3. Voting on November 4th for Ward 3 will take place at Our Savior Lutheran Church 3001 S 6 St. Absentee voting is also available starting October 15 at the Election Center 107 S 1 Ave or, at the Auditors office 1 E. Main St. from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.