Supervisors weigh $500 Scenic Byway hosting fee as app use grows
Summary
Staff presented usage data showing audio-tour calls rose from about 39 in 2024 to 689 in 2025 and app visits to 3,441; the board discussed paying a $500 annual hosting fee but requested a contract and formal request process before approving ongoing payments.
Jake summarized analytics for the Iowa Scenic Byway and related audio-tour app, telling the board that the program had seen substantial growth: the audio tour received about 39 visits in 2024 and roughly 689 calls in 2025, with app visits rising from 461 to about 3,441. He said a $500 hosting fee has historically been paid by Tama County and asked whether the board saw value in continuing support.
Board members raised auditor concerns about paying outside organizations and asked staff to draft a simple contract or request form to justify and document any payments. No formal payment was approved at the meeting; staff said they would follow up with the byway contact and bring a recommended request form or contract to a future meeting.
Quote: "In 2025, they had 689 visits on the audio tour with 3,441 app visits," Jake said while presenting the usage data.
The board did not make a funding commitment during the session; members signaled willingness to consider a modest $500 payment if paperwork and auditing safeguards are in place.
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