A popular group of tourist attractions in northeast Iowa faces deep funding cuts.
The Waterloo City Council is considering slashing the budget of the Grout Museum District by $300,000, about one-fifth of its budget. Margaret Moye, the district’s executive director, says the proposed cut stems from state property tax legislation passed in 2023 that consolidated several local levies, including the one funding the museum district.
Moye says the legislation puts the city in a difficult position, but she says Waterloo voters approved the levy because they recognize the district’s value.
The city faces a $2.1 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year.
Moye is urging community members to make their voices heard at the council’s budget hearing on March 30.
The district operates the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum and the Grout Museum of History and Science, along with several historic sites.
