Administration

City Hall Building


VISION 

To be a premier recreational and economically progressive community. 

MISSION 

Through teamwork create a welcoming environment that encourages economic growth, celebrates our unique blend of cultures, treasures our natural resources, and promotes recreational opportunities.  

The Administration Department is responsible for:

  • Acting as the point of contact for utility services and billing
  • Voicing citizen concerns or complaints and providing information
  • Accounting functions of the City, including preparation and monitoring of the annual budget
  • Maintaining official records, including all City ordinances, resolutions, policies, and minutes
  • Coordinating personnel services for the City

The City of Storm Lake’s Administration Department includes:

  • City Manager
  • City Clerk
  • Finance
  • Human Resources

ABOUT THE CITY HALL BUILDING


The Storm Lake City Hall dates to the mid-1920s, and was built primarily as a fire station.

Early in the city’s history, the town council would meet anywhere a space was handy – the local newspaper office, the schoolhouse, a hotel lobby, or wherever the mayor at the time worked.

In March of 1924, the council – or “city dads” as they were often referred to – voted to allow a special election for construction of a fire station and city hall. The firemen were tasked with circulating a petition, needing signatures of more than half of the city’s eligible voters. They were apparently quite persuasive, though some argued for a more “prominent” location. 


City Hall Fire Station


The building cost $35,000. The newspaper praised the project, which it said “stands as proof of what may be done through careful and economic planning.” The ground floor held the fire engines and fire equipment. Above was an assemble room, the council’s chambers, and tiny apartments for the night firemen.


Photo of Fire Department Members outside of City Hall


The City Hall would later also house the police station, with a tiny jail in the cellar. During the Great Depression era, a county relief program also operated there.

It was not unusual to have weddings at City Hall in its earlier days. The mayor would do the honors, with the city clerk and assistant as the witnesses. In 1931, the state fish pathologist, who had taken a liking to the community when called in to investigate the lake’s population, was among those wed at City Hall.

 Many years later, after separate police and fire stations were constructed on Milwaukee Avenue, City Hall was renovated and remains in use for city offices, council meetings and the water utility office.