Bond Says Ankeny Should Re-Examine Utility Fee Every 2 Years: 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 , Mona Bond, and Tom Reiland. Today, we introduce you to Mona Bond.

The special election will be held Aug. 14.

MONA BOND

Age: 60

Address: 2818 W. First St.

Employer: Manatts Inc., Capitol Communications Inc., Bond Properties

How long have you lived in Ankeny: 20 years

Summary of education: Bachelor of science degree from Iowa State University.

Family: Husband Darwin Koenig; two sons, Mark and Kirk Bond; and five grandchildren.

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

I have experience as a local elected official, having served on the Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors for four years. The firsthand knowledge of budgeting and leadership I learned from this position helped me in my professional career working with board of directors of various professional associations representing agriculture and construction interests. Most recently, I have been the city of Ankeny’s state government liaison, working with members of the Iowa Legislature on issues such as commercial property tax reform, tax increment financing and unfunded mandates. This experience gives me background and understanding of the issues that Ankeny needs on the city council.

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

I would give preference to the use of fees rather than property taxes if the city council decides additional revenue is required for a city program or service. The council must provide residents with clear, understandable reasons for the fee. I would also propose the council re-evaluate the continued need for the fee every two years. 

Residential property in Ankeny generates 65 percent and commercial property generates 30 percent of city revenue. The Ankeny City Council established a two percent utility franchise fee, effective May 1, 2011, to pay for public safety including the addition of essential fire personnel to provide fire services from Fire Station No. 2. The franchise fee generates approximately $800,000 per year and has been used to staff the engine company 24/7 at fire station No. 2. All Mid-American Energy and Consumers Energy customers with electric or natural gas service pay the two percent fee as well, including nonprofits.

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?

I support a cautious and conservative approach to setting the budget each year based on the information the council has. I have found that residents are not unhappy living in Ankeny and are pleased with the city services supported by the current property tax rate. I look forward to serving on the Ankeny City Council and working to control spending and where possible, lowering property taxes on homeowners and businesses. 

It is too soon to set firm targets for spending and taxes. If the legislature passes commercial property tax reform, 30 percent of the city revenue changes and obviously budgets must change, as well. Picking numbers and amounts now is risky and could compound future financial challenges.

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

I would like to see ongoing demographic focus groups established that would analyze Ankeny as it currently is and make recommendations to the council on how to continue the status quo or where to make changes. Citizens would be appointed to the focus groups by the mayor and council.

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

Debt reduction.

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

I offer the citizens experience and expertise in government.  I can hit the ground running and have the time to spend serving the people of the community. My top three priorities would be: 

1. To be a visionary in keeping Ankeny as the “go to” place to live and work
2. To support and maintain the current infrastructure and yet being ready to take advantage of opportunities
3. To be available to meet with various interest groups and work to establish strong public/private partnerships

What do you think is Ankeny's biggest asset?

Ankeny’s best asset is people who want to engage. My mother always said, “Don’t gripe if you don’t vote!” Thus, I ask for your vote on July 17. Demographically, Ankeny is a young community. That youth and their infectious spirit is why we see growth. I see citizens engage and push to achieve higher standards for the community. I also believe we have an excellent city staff, people who are dedicated in all facets of city operation and to their work. Their cooperation, the vision of the community and what Ankeny offers citizens is why businesses choose to do business here and bring jobs to our local community.