Happy spring, Avoca! As we move into April, we’re beginning to see the landscape coming back to life, signaling a very active spring and summer season for the City of Avoca. With that comes a number of projects, initiatives, and opportunities to continue building on the positive momentum in our community.
Over the past six-plus months, city staff and the City Council have been reviewing and finalizing the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027) budget. This process ensures we are responsibly planning for infrastructure improvements, public services, and long-term financial stability. The Council will hold a public hearing on April 21st at the Avoca Public Library and approve the budget, which must be uploaded into specific software and submitted to the Iowa Department of Management by April 30th. I appreciate our city clerk and all who have had an active and integral role in shaping the process and this balanced and strategic budget.
Spring also marks the start of our construction and maintenance season. Residents can expect to see progress on street and infrastructure projects, park and trail improvements, and general upkeep throughout the community. Eight street projects are currently in the final stages of engineering design, financing, and bid letting, with construction anticipated to begin in June.
Residents who may be impacted will receive direct communication from me in advance so you can plan accordingly and stay informed throughout the process. While construction can be inconvenient, our goal is to provide clear updates and timelines to make the experience as manageable as possible. Some projects will also include necessary underground infrastructure improvements, which may extend timelines. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this important work to maintain and enhance Avoca’s quality of life.
This time of year also presents a great opportunity for community-wide beautification. I encourage all residents to take part in spring clean-up efforts, whether that’s maintaining your property, assisting neighbors, or contributing to the overall appearance of our community. These small efforts collectively make a significant impact and reflect the pride we share in Avoca.
In that spirit, we recognize Earth Day on April 22nd, a reminder of the importance of caring for our environment. The City will follow with our official Arbor Day Tree Planting on Friday, April 24th, at 10:00 AM outside City Hall. We welcome residents to join us as we continue to invest in the beauty and sustainability of our community. We are also reviewing tree planting and nuisance ordinances, evaluating tree species best suited for our area, and identifying resources available to residents. Additionally, I am preparing an Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Plan to improve our eligibility for future grant opportunities.
We also continue to focus on strengthening partnerships, both locally and regionally. Whether through collaboration with regional water partners, ongoing discussions with boards and commissions, or engagement with local organizations, these relationships are critical to delivering effective services and planning for the future.
We’re excited to share that the new restroom facilities at the Avoca CountryView Golf Course are now complete and ready for the upcoming season. This improvement enhances the experience for both local golfers and visitors by providing modern, convenient amenities that support one of our community’s valued recreational assets.
A big thank you goes out to Martin Construction, McCarthy Trenching, and the additional subcontractors for all of their hard work and dedication in helping complete this project! We would also like to thank Culture & Recreation Board members Dan Rold, Sean Christensen, and Chris Petersen for donating their time to reshingle the Tiki Hut. A special thank you to Chris for also serving as the project manager throughout this effort. Be sure to follow the golf course on their official Facebook page to see their upcoming events and announcements.
In addition, preparations are underway for the opening of the Avoca The Splash Aquatic Center, with staff working diligently to have the pool ready for Memorial Day weekend (official opening date to be announced). The Avoca Public Library will also receive a landscaping refresh, watch for improvements coming soon. From facility maintenance to staff training and certifications, a great deal of work goes into ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all. We look forward to another successful summer season and encourage residents to take advantage of these great community amenities.
The Iowa Legislature continues to be very active this session, with over 650 bills initially introduced that impact municipalities. As of March 25th, following the second funnel, fewer than 30 bills remain under consideration. These include proposals that could directly impact communities like Avoca, particularly in areas such as property tax reform, local government authority, public notice requirements, and infrastructure standards. The Senate, House, and Governor have each proposed property tax changes that could affect how cities generate revenue and plan long-term projects, while other bills focus on modifying local decision-making authority and regulatory requirements.
Congratulations to the City of Avoca for being selected as one of five communities to participate in Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach “First Impressions” program. You will hear more about this process in the coming months. We also welcome Bailey Walker as our new Public Works Technician and Dirk Brotherson to our seasonal mowing and grounds maintenance team.
I would like to invite residents to one of Avoca's newest businesses Open House this Friday, April 3rd from 11 AM to 2 PM. Join L&N Docks and Lifts at their new Avoca location at 2101 N. Lavista Heights Rd. (former Farmall Tractor Museum) for lunch and to tour their new location.
As always, communication and transparency remain a priority. Council agendas, packets, and meeting recordings are available at cityofavoca.com/page/agendas-minutes for those wishing to stay informed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to City Hall with questions, concerns, or ideas. Your input helps guide our decisions and ensures we are serving the community effectively.
Thank you for your continued support and pride in Avoca. We look forward to a productive and exciting season ahead!
Shawnna L. Silvius
Avoca City Administrator