Monday’s 47th edition of the Joint Meeting of Dakota County showcased a lot of positive movement throughout the county.
More than 50 school, city and county representatives enjoyed a nearly two-hour meeting, hosted by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners, that was full of positives at all levels with many references to the spirit of cooperation between the various tax-supported entities within the county.
Many of those who spoke on behalf of their respective entities pointed to the cooperative nature that the Joint Meeting has been based on as the reason why so many positive things are happening within the county.
“They come to a lot of our calls and help out, and that’s kind of the reason behind this meeting,” South Sioux City Mayor Rod Koch said, referring to the relationship between the fire departments of South Sioux City and neighboring Dakota City. “When one benefits, we all benefit.”
New Homer Community Schools superintendent Joey Lefdal said he was impressed by the camaraderie shown between the various entities.
“Geting people to work together really matters,” he said. “I’ve had a number of conversations with Rony (SSC Schools superintendent Dr. Rony Ortega) on what we can share together, and that’s great to see.”
Northeast Community College president Dr. Leah Barrett, whose first Joint Meeting came shortly after hiring in the winter of 2020 — and shortly before the Covid pandemic started — said it was great to see the level of cooperation between people in Dakota County.
“The collaboration that exists in this community is real, and the number of examples that we have here are amazing,” she said.
For details of Monday’s meeting, pick up a copy of this week’s Dakota County Star. Call (402) 494-4264 to subscribe.
