Water and Sewer Utility Referendum
The Buffalo City Council held a meeting August 19, 2026 to discuss the possible transfer and operation of the water/wastewater utility to Iowa American Water. The City Council approved an Asset Purchase Agreement regarding the sale of the water utility and this sewer utility. The approval of the Asset Purchase Agreement was simply the first step in the process and per Iowa law requires the approval of the water sale by a referendum allowing the residents to vote on the future of the town’s water system and not just a vote by the city council. The sale of the wastewater utility does not require a referendum vote by the residents, but the city council negotiated in the Asset Purchase Agreement to allow the residents to have the ability to approve the sale of both systems. This issue has been discussed with the previous and current council members, who took the time to review the assessment of the water/wastewater systems; what would be required to maintain and improve the current systems (to prevent PFAS, hard water, and discolored water); how our rates would have to be increased for operation/maintain/improve the systems; how to maintain the quality of the water; the cost of annual licenses/training/tests. These previous meetings were closed sessions, per Iowa code section 388.9, due to discussing present or imminent competitive information. The goal is to ensure long-term reliability, infrastructure sustainability, and financial stability for years to come for all residents. The referendum will give our community a direct voice in determining the path forward for our local utility infrastructure. To ensure all residents are fully informed before casting their ballots, the city will host a series of public information meetings. Representatives of Iowa American Water and the City will be available to discuss the proposal, answer questions, and provide details of the transition. The first public information meeting will be held August 31, 2026, at 5:00-6:30 pm, at the Buffalo Community Center.Brochure Information
Mayor's Page
I wanted to start this page on the city website, to provide more information to residents and business owners, as I receive information from different sources and people. I am on the following commissions: 911 Board, the Scott County Waste Commission, and the Emergency Management Commission. I also attend meetings with other small town Mayors in Scott County, to try to pool our resources and help each other to work out any issues and save to our communities. I stay in contact with our local legislators for the state and for the federal level, as well as have them come out for visits to Buffalo. I have asked the department heads for the Clerks, the Public Works, and the Police Department to provide me with a list of goals/tasks at the beginning of each week and what was completed at the end of the week, to have a better understanding of what is being completed each week. Starting last council meeting, I submitted a monthly report (which is at the link below) for what I have attended and worked on during the month and plan to submit a report each month. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions about what I post, if you hear about something that was said or done in a city meeting, or if you just want to discuss something with me.
Sally, Cell 563-210-3462
