The Ames City Council reviewed various departmental budgets with updates on CyRide’s growth and funding challenges, record management and communications improvements and ongoing efforts in risk management and health insurance coverage.
CyRide transportation updates
CyRide ridership continues to grow, with more community members using the service. The transit system remains heavily dependent on state and federal funding, receiving about $2 million in federal grants.
Recently, CyRide used two federal grants to replace seven diesel buses with five battery-electric buses and two articulated buses. Increasing wages to $21.70 per hour and offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus have helped. Around 30% of drivers are students.
About 80% of CyRide’s Dial-a-Ride service is federally funded and highly reliant on government grants. This service provides essential transportation for community members who may otherwise struggle to leave their homes. With such a significant portion of funding coming from federal sources, CyRide faces potential vulnerability in maintaining consistent service if those funds are reduced or altered in the future.
While there is concern about long-term funding reliability, CyRide has short-term cash reserves and is working on long-term funding solutions with its partners.
“I think everybody has the same concerns, and I think I’d be comfortable in the short term, at least for a year,” Director of Transit Barbara Neal said when asked how CyRide would continue without federal grants.
City clerk’s office
The city clerk’s office has updated its records retention manual for the first time since 2014, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. It has also implemented a new electronic records management system, Laserfiche, which enhances document security, accessibility and transparency. A public portal will allow citizens to access records and protection against ransomware threats.
Communications and outreach
Ames has improved its website for better accessibility and is developing an e-notification system called GovDelivery. Social media engagement has nearly doubled in the past year, with Facebook post views increasing from 466,000 to 900,000 and Instagram engagement growing from 19,379 to 60,000.
“When I started on council, we had a robust presence in the Ames Tribune,” Ward 2 Rep. Tim Gartin said. “That is not the case today… What has really filled in the gap is the work that you and your team have undertaken.”
The city is maintaining its closed captioning services for all video content in compliance with ADA and FCC requirements. Ward 3 Rep. Gloria Betcher emphasized preserving accessibility even if the current administration does not enforce it.
“Given the attack on DEI by the current administration, I’m wondering and perhaps hoping that the city is continuing with this effort regardless of what the federal government says we have to do because it’s the right thing for us to do,” Betcher said. “I do hope that the council doesn’t have to be in the position to tell you to continue doing this once the federal pressure may be off.”
Risk management
The city’s insurance program covers various liability claims, with key allocations for auto liability (27%), transit liability (19%), and general liability (39%). The budget request includes continued funding for the property insurance program, ensuring city buildings are properly insured.
Due to a recent reappraisal, insurance costs will decrease by 27.5%. Insurance coverage is based on replacement value rather than original building costs, ensuring full compensation if a disaster occurs. However, professional liability insurance is expected to increase by 23%.
Health insurance
The city partners with Wellmark for health insurance, aiming to keep premium increases below 10%. A 6% increase is projected for 2025-2026. While medical claims (50% of the budget) are expected to decrease by 8%, pharmacy costs (27%) rise due to increasing drug prices.
Budget sessions will wrap up Feb. 11. To view the entire budget document, visit the city of Ames website.
