Council Bluffs’ new Mayor begins his first week on the job Monday.
Matt Walsh was sworn-in last Thursday. Walsh says one of his top priorities is making sure the city can meet the requirements of new mandates.
“We need to broaden our tax base so that we can enact those requirements without over-burdening the current property owners with property tax increases. So that will be my key focus.”
Walsh says the city is also working with the Iowa West Foundation on phase two of the work at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park.
“We’re looking at increasing the improvements there, basically on top of the levee, building where meetings could be held, getting the artwork in there, and so that is the primary focus of the Parks Department. We are also looking at some consolidation in parks programs in the city, and maybe consolidating office space and sharing administrative services to make that more economical.”
Walsh is Council Bluffs’ first new Mayor in 25 years. Tom Hanafan, who was elected in 1987, didn’t seek re-election.