The City of Montezuma receives Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) Award from the Iowa Auditor of State

     Montezuma Mayor Jacki Bolen holds a Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) Award presented by Iowa Auditor of State Rob Sand on Friday, Nov. 12 recognizing the city for its efforts to save taxpayers’ money. The City of Montezuma received the best overall performing city award for submitting 42 efficiency measures. Not pictured is Kevin Kudart, superintendent of Montezuma Light and Power.

By J.O. Parker

     Iowa Auditor of State Rob Sand hand-delivered two pieces of homemade pie to leaders of the City of Montezuma on Friday, Nov. 12 at the Montezuma City Hall in recognition of their Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) Award. The City of Montezuma received the best overall performing city award for submitting 42 efficiency measures. 
    Auditor Sand made good on his campaign promise and established the PIE program in 2019. It serves to guide Iowans as well as state and local governments on the steps they can take to save money and promote efficiency. 
   Seventy-nine counties and 267 cities took Auditor Sand’s opportunity to share how they are using practical tips and tricks to reduce waste, by filling out the Office’s “PIE” chart. Iowa’s local governments also developed “PIE” recipes to be shared by their creators with other public entities statewide. 
   Cost-cutting measures range from shutting off the lights to reduce energy costs, to the creation of policies that reduce travel expenses. 
   Cities and counties were awarded points, based on the number of cost-cutting measures implemented in 2019 and 2020.
   “It’s always nice to be recognized for being efficient and saving the taxpayers’ money,” said Montezuma Mayor Jacki Bolen. “Kevin Kudart, superintendent of Montezuma Light and Power, and his team have worked hard to transform our city into the world of LED lights. Our office staff has maintained the city office to keep it more efficient as well. Their efforts save us money in the long run.          We are very fortunate to have everyone on board and putting taxpayers first.”
      The pumpkin pie was prepared by Montezuma’s Annette Deering.