Mayor Foot previews growth, budget changes and openness to data centers in state-of-the-city address

Mayor Foot delivered a state-of-the-city address to the Ottumwa City Council, highlighting recent local projects, calling for greater budget transparency and urging regional cooperation to attract business investment.

"This is about you, the people of Ottumwa," Mayor Foot said, opening remarks that outlined projects he described as recent progress: the Vogel Heights residential development, a new gymnasium addition at Ottumwa High School, the Market Street Landing inclusive play space, investment by Ottumwa Regional Health Center (including a larger MRI and new ambulance units), and downtown business growth. He thanked local organizations and partners including the Ottumwa Community School District, Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Main Street, Meet Ottumwa and others for their roles in development.

On budgeting, Foot said transparency is imperative and advocated a move to zero-based budgeting, arguing it forces the city to "account and justify every dollar before any spending is approved." He asked staff to produce a short-term (three-year) and long-term (10–15 year) roadmap for street repair so residents can see planned repairs and timing.

On economic development, Foot said he wants Ottumwa and Wapello County to be open to data center projects while proceeding "carefully, intentionally, and openly," noting other communities have restricted such development. He also highlighted transportation issues — including electric scooters, e-bikes and UTVs — and the need to clarify rules and enforcement to keep pedestrians and other users safe.

Foot praised community organizations (Food Bank of Iowa, Ottumwa Job Corps, Milestone Area Agency on Aging and Lighthouse Foundation) and invited continued collaboration with state and federal representatives he named for their support. In the address he expressed confidence in continued growth while acknowledging fiscal constraints and the need to match government operations to community resources.

The address concluded with applause; the council then moved to adjourn. The speech did not produce a formal council vote or ordinance; next steps would depend on staff follow-up on budget processes, roadway planning and any economic-development proposals.