Representatives from the Department of Residence and Dining came to the IRHA meeting this Thursday to propose a 5% rate increase in dining prices and a 6% rate increase in housing prices for the upcoming fiscal year.

The coordinator of residence living at Iowa State, Dave Garsow, emphasized that the rate increase will solely fund needed maintenance repairs and renovations.

“No one’s getting extra money in their pocket from this,” Garsow said. “It’s not like a CEO getting a big golden parachute. All money that comes in goes directly back into exactly what you need to for a great experience in both housing and dining.” 

The Iowa State Department of Residence and Dining are both auxiliary departments, meaning they do not receive funding from the state or the university itself and instead rely on student payments.

Along with ongoing maintenance costs and funding for new projects, the increased rates will also help with the rising price of food and other amenities impacted by COVID-19.

“Our rate increase doesn’t just go pay for building improvements, it has to go to take all of our cost increases,” Garsow said. “Inflation has slowed a little bit, so the bills numbers are going down, but utilities were a big part of our expense.”

Some new projects students can look forward to in the coming years include Friley restroom renovations, specifically new piping. 

“Why are we doing this?” Karen Rodekamp, associate director for engagement at Iowa State Dining, asked. “Because the pipes are falling apart. They’re disintegrating. So it’s not something we can really avoid.” 

Bathroom renovations are also in the works for Helser, Willow, Larch, Linden, Oak and Elm.

Air conditioning replacements/installations are in the development phase for Wallace, Wilson, Birch, Welch, Roberts, Oak, Elm, Freeman, Barton, Lyon, Helser and Friley residence halls.