Bentz Would Work to Eliminate Ankeny's Utility Franchise Fee: City Council Q&A

On July 17, Ankeny residents will head to the polls to take the first step in deciding who will be the next member of the Ankeny City Council.

In an effort to help you learn more about the four candidates up for your vote in next week's primary election, Ankeny Patch asked them a few questions to gauge where they stand on specific city issues, as well as questions to help you know more about who they are.

The four candidates are Bobbi Bentz, Mona Bond, Gary Key and Tom Reiland. Today, we introduce you to , an graduate who has lived in Ankeny most of her life.

The special election will be held Aug. 14.

BOBBI BENTZ

Name: Bobbi (Buckner) Bentz

Age: 33

Address: 821 S.E. Michael Drive

Employer: Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield

How long have you lived in Ankeny: 25 years – I grew up in Ankeny, and left to attend college and graduate school before returning to raise our family.

Summary of education: Ankeny High School, 1997; Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Business, Cornell College; Master of Health Administration, Master of Public Health, will complete Ph.D in community and behavioral health in 2013, University of Iowa.

Family: Husband of nine years, Adam, and two daughters, ages 2 and 4.

What experience do you have working on councils, boards or commissions?

I have a variety of work, service and civic-related experiences serving on committees and councils. Currently, I serve on two committees for the American Heart Association – the Des Moines Go Red for Women Committee and on the AHA’s Advocacy Committee. Similarly, I am on the Planning Committee for the Easter Seals Crop for Camp annual fundraising event. I also am on the Civic Committee of the Greater Des Moines Young Professionals. In the past, I was a board member of the Cornell College Alumni Association for eight years and through my work experience I have been a member of and facilitated statewide executive committees, steering committees and operating committees.

Where do you stand on the 2-percent utility franchise fee? Do you believe placing small fees on residents is a good way to generate revenue?

The franchise fee is simply a tax with a different name. I would like the city to explore ways to phase out the franchise fee over the next few years, which requires working closely with residents to identify opportunities to make this happen. I think small user fees for amenities are acceptable (such as the aquatic centers), but fees should not be used for ongoing operating expenses related to key services such as public safety.

Are you happy with the city's current property tax rate? If not, what should it be set at and how would the additional money be spent or trimmed from the budget?

Increasing city taxes and fees over the past few years is of major concern to nearly every Ankeny resident I have encountered. Without factoring in the franchise fee or school-related taxes, Ankeny city property tax rates are the eighth-highest of 17 communities in Polk County. Residential property tax increased in the last two years and is set to increase again in the next two years at another $0.70 per $1,000 assessed value if steps are not taken to avoid this increase. I think the city can avoid this tax increase and the No. 1 goal I would have as a new council member is to work with city staff, the council and community residents on exploring all ideas as to avoid the increase.

What is your plan to keep taxes manageable while still promoting growth and maintaining necessary services for Ankeny residents?

Reducing the franchise fee and avoiding the $0.70 tax increase would promote growth. Keeping residents’ money in their pockets and out of their tax bill encourages people to move to Ankeny, grow businesses in Ankeny, and to continue living in Ankeny. Maintaining necessary services (like police, fire, etc.) is extremely important and I am concerned about potential neglect of these areas and basic infrastructure at the expense of potential new city buildings and unnecessary spending such as “free” ice cream socials.

If the city had a $100,000 surplus that had to be spent this year, where should it go?

If the city had a $100,000 surplus, I would first ask for the reason as to why there was a surplus so that future budgets could be adjusted appropriately. Then, I would give each taxpayer back their share of the $100K. The city philosophy needs to be that this money belongs to the taxpayers and therefore it should be treated as such.          

Explain your other top priorities (and why) should you be elected to the city council.

1. : Work with all residents who have lived here one day or over 50 years to avoid the planned $0.70 tax increase.  I think it is important that all residents’ views are taken into account. I feel I am the most representative candidate seeking the open council seat as I grew up with Ankeny, but I am also a young professional with a young family. 

I’ve seen Ankeny grow and change more than any other candidate and I can relate to residents who have lived here several decades. At the same time, I match the demographic of our relatively young community, where the average age is 32. I am concerned about the influence of rising costs on young families, as well as older members of our community such as my mom and relatives, neighbors, former teachers, and parents of classmates who are now in or entering retirement and want to live in this community for years to come.

2. : Seek ideas as to how to phase out the franchise fee while maintaining key city services. (See my answer above)

3. : Work with the other council members on the hiring process for a new city manager who shares the vision of the council to represent and work for the citizens of Ankeny to maintain top-notch services while respecting the needs and interests of taxpayers. This is an important time in our city, as there will soon be a new council member, a new city manager, and likely a new mayor, so it is imperative everyone is striving to collectively reach this shared vision.

What do you think is Ankeny's biggest asset?

I’m not a Realtor, but I’d say our biggest asset is “location, location, location.” Ankeny is in the perfect location for residents and industry alike as we are between Ames and Des Moines with several routes to each of these cities and we straddle two major interstates. I love that our community feels like a “community” and not like a suburban extension of Des Moines. Ankeny has its own identity that attracts new residents and keeps residents living here. It’s this feeling that made me love growing up here and made it an easy decision for me and my husband to raise our own family in Ankeny.