The Ames City Council voted Tuesday to borrow $13.6 million to pay for improvements around the city. The city will sell bonds on Sept. 23 to get the money.
What the money is for: The city plans to use the borrowed money for the following projects.
Street and road repairs
- $4 million: Fix asphalt streets
- $3.8 million: Fix concrete streets
- $1 million: Seal coat street repairs
- $500,000: Fix collector streets
- $400,000: Fix alleys
- $250,000: Fix downtown streets
Traffic systems
- $1.52 million: Improve traffic flow
- $367,540: Smart traffic technology
Airport improvements
- $531,750: Runway and taxiway repairs
- $329,000: Airport building improvements
Parks and safety
- $700,000: Ada Hayden Heritage Park trail improvements
- $211,905: A new fire station alert system
How Ames will borrow the money: The city will take out two loans:
- $13.5 million for most projects (streets, airport, park trails)
- $235,000 for the fire station alert system
Background: City leaders already approved these projects as part of the 2025 budget. They held a required public hearing about the borrowing on March 25. The city has prepared paperwork for investors who might buy the bonds. This information is available at the city clerk’s office. The bond sale will use electronic bidding to get the best rates.
In other business
- The council accepted a Federal Aviation Administration grant agreement for an Ames airport runway reconstruction design project in the amount of $1.1 million with a local match of $56,505 from airport improvement funds.
- The council discussed whether it wants to hold a referendum for a relocated fire station in November or wait until November 2026. The council voted to hold a special meeting Sept. 16 to consider placing the matter on the November 2025 ballot. Council member Tim Gartin voted no.
- Attendance: Council member Gloria Betcher attended the meeting via telephone.
- Next time: The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23.
