By John Speer

Editor

Citing dissatisfaction with Tama County Economic Development efforts, Tama City Council members voted 3-0 last Tuesday to opt out of the organization. Dues totaling $4,097 for membership in the county-wide group will not be paid as a result.

Voting to end Tama's participation by withdrawing immediately were council members Dan Zimmerman, Jeff Brezina and Josh Youngbear. Council members Steve Baier and Robert Tyynismaa were absent. The council met on Tuesday due to the Monday Labor Day holiday.

Zimmerman said of Tama County Economic Development - "its not doing the economic part - just tourism."

Mayor Chris Bearden said, "We'll probably be the ones breaking the ice, but there's been people asking for help and she (Economic Development Executive Director Lindi Roelofse) has refused them."

Bearden said, "Several people have told me the Chamber of Commerce does more for the community than Tama County Economic Development."

Don Lyons, the mayor of Dysart and chair of the Tama County Economic Development Commission was sent a certified letter notifying him of the decision.

Lyons told The News-Herald Monday, "I'm very disappointed they (Tama) saw fit to withdraw." He said the letter "didn't say anything" about a reason for the action.

"I think it was serving the Tama community quite well," he said.

In an email responding to a News-Herald request for comment ton Tama's decision, Lindi Roelofse, executive director of Tama County Economic Development said, "I do worry about the implications of this decision on the residents, businesses, and property owners within the city limits of Tama.

"For one, economic development state and federal entities are increasingly focusing their efforts and funding resources through collaborative regional development instead of individual cities.

"The commission will be meeting to decide on the best course of action."

A meeting of the 27-member commission was, in fact, to be held in Clutier Tuesday night. Lyon said the meeting was the regularly scheduled monthly event, but the Tama decision "certainly will be mentioned."

Bearden and Youngbear were the current Tama representatives on the Economic Development Commission. It is made up primarily of city elected officials from the 12 cities in the county, the members of the Board of Supervisors as well as some community leaders.

Tama currently has several high-profile economic development efforts underway including securing a state casino license, being the primary location for part of a $520 million bio-energy campus plan and ongoing efforts to reopen Tama Pack, a beef slaughter and processing operation.

In addition, downtown revitalization efforts remain on the table with city funding support and incentives available.

Bearden and Youngbear were the current Tama representatives on the Economic Development Commission.

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