Floyd County Supervisor Candidate Q&A – Douglas Kamm, District 1

Each of the candidates for Floyd County supervisor was sent a list of eight questions regarding current county topics of interest. Here are the answers of those who responded:

Douglas Kamm, age 68, owner of Kamm Excavating Corp. and farm.

Completing third four-year term as a Floyd County supervisor.

My wife, Jean Ann, and I have been married almost 45 years. We have two sons. Eric, and his wife, Kate, live in Pella, Iowa, along with their two children, Evan and Claire. Our Second son, Kalen, and his wife, Cherie, live in Altoona, along with their two children, Lucas and Kole.

Question 1) – Why are you running for a seat on the Floyd County Board of Supervisors?

I am currently serving my third four-year term. I have taken this position very seriously, and during this time of serving the Floyd County citizens, I have gained an enormous amount of knowledge as to how the complex, governmental budgeting works, along with the overall management of not only the courthouse, but all the county employees. I felt with my experience, it would be helpful in aiding two new supervisors into these positions, while creating continuity during this transition.

Question 2) – Do you support passing an essential services levy in the county to pay for emergency medical services? If yes, how should the use of that tax money be prioritized? If no, how would you propose supporting EMS services in the county?

I DO support the EMS, however not only the medical aspect of EMS, but I feel we also need to look at all the Emergency Services, as they currently exist. Floyd County is currently at a crossroads with fire protection, and I believe it is time to begin conversations and examining the possibilities of county-wide fire protection in the future.

Question 3) – Have county property tax rates been handled responsibly in recent years, and what, if anything, would you have done differently regarding specific spending?

Over the last months, there has been an enormous amount of discussions regarding Property Tax Rates, projects, and bad decisions in spending. I have had the privilege in speaking with and explaining the numbers to many Floyd County citizens regarding this valued concern. I would like to bring more clarity to this issue.

I would like all of us to look at your property tax bill and the specific breakdown of percentages of where your property tax is dispersed. For example, the percentage of the county tax on “my” house property is 15% of my total tax bill. The school portion of my tax bill shows 33% of which my taxes go to the school systems, and then there is an assessor, debt service, and small levy’s that makes up the balance. These additional percentages are determined by the school boards and city councils. Supervisors are not able to control those areas. I have posted on my Facebook page, property tax comparisons within all counties of Iowa, but specifically, those counties that surround and border Floyd County. Contrary to what some people have stated, Floyd County is very comparable with other counties.

The second portion of the Courthouse renovation has created a large amount of discussion. The debt service Levy is actually lower than was projected at the time of the original ¬bond election. It is essential that you voice your concerns, however you must also be willing to research and listen to the accurate information, and not necessarily what is being inaccurately posted elsewhere. With all of the obstacles put before the present Supervisors, such as COVID, obtaining materials etc., I am certain, that we have been diligent and very fiscally responsible.

Question 4) – Would you favor increasing the size of the board of supervisors to five members? Why or why not?

I truly have not witnessed an advantage to increasing the number of Supervisors from three to five. Over the last few years, while attending many various types of statewide supervisor meetings, I have had the opportunity to speak with many other county supervisors across the state of Iowa. In doing so, it is apparent that there is a great deal more difficulty in decision making and problem solving, when there have been five supervisors. In some cases, while speaking with fellow supervisors that currently have five, they are hoping to be able to change the number back to three Supervisors.

Question 5) – If it was entirely your decision, how specifically would you spend the more than $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that the county is receiving?

There are only a few remaining items to finalize on the courthouse renovation, of which will make the facility completely functional, and be something that Floyd County can be proud of, for decades to come. In addition, I feel that, we as Supervisors, need to investigate, get additional information from residents and update various area/services that will help us provide overall better services to the public; without adding to our overhead.

Question 6) – If the power was entirely yours, what two things would you do the first 100 days of being sworn into office?

My “dream” would be to entirely revamp the county government, in order to make it more efficient and simplistic for each county to operate. Currently, there are hundreds of specific and complete parameters, guidelines and laws from the state, that dictate what supervisors can and cannot do on almost every decision-making level. Many times, our hands are tied as to what we can actually do and how it can/must be done. It is very frustrating at times, not being able to make decisions that would seem to be the most logical and beneficial for the people in Floyd County.

Question 7) – What is the most important single thing you hope to have accomplished by the end of your term in office?

That we are a cohesive group of supervisors that enable us to become an efficient and well-run government for the citizens of Floyd County. That we continue to provide and improve on services for the citizens, such as road improvements, fire protection, ambulance service and health safety.

Question 8) – Why are you the best choice to be elected for your race?

As I have previously mentioned, I have had the privilege of being a Floyd County Supervisor for the past 12 years, and I have taken this position very seriously. As a supervisor, I feel it is my responsivity to “research” any and all aspects of any item, idea, and project that is presented to us. I make sure I have looked at all points of view before making any voting decision. I also feel that I have the ability to work with and listen to, not only my fellow supervisors, but ALSO to countless numbers of the Floyd County citizens, which is an essential part of this job

With my business background, it is sometimes difficult to watch the inefficiencies that government entities are sometimes forced to operate under. However, I continue to challenge myself to find a balance of both worlds, with always keeping the betterment of Floyd County for our residents, in mind.

With my experience, I would be more than willing to work closely with the two new supervisors. Being supervisor requires countless hours of work, attending many essential meetings and dedication to this position. I would be proud to continue that level of dedication, to serve Floyd County citizens, as a supervisor.

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