(Des Moines) State Auditor Rob Sand on Monday celebrated the efforts of Iowa’s counties, cities, and school districts for saving taxpayer dollars through the Auditor’s Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) program.
“Since we launched PIE in 2019, it’s been inspiring to see the dedication to saving money for hardworking Iowans,” Sand said. “Efficient government is something everyone can support, no matter their background.”
The PIE program promotes cost-saving measures and innovative ideas among public entities. A yearly checklist and shared “PIE recipes” provide tools and encourage collaboration. The program’s success has inspired similar initiatives in Mississippi and Baltimore.
Auditor Sand plans to personally deliver pies to celebrate with this year’s winners, which include:
Counties
Largest County: Scott County
Smallest County: Adams County
Best Performing County, Overall: Lucas County
Best Performing Counties, Awarded Within Categories of Size: Story County, Fayette County, Hardin County, Hancock and Franklin Counties (TIED), Lucas County
Most Improved County: Boone County
Cities
Largest City: Cedar Rapids
Smallest City: Ellston (Population 22)
Best Performing City, Overall: Cedar Rapids
Best Performing Cities, Awarded Within Categories of Size: Cedar Rapids, Donnelson, Alburnett, Orient, Fostoria
Most Improved City: Alburnett
Community School Districts
Largest Community School District: Des Moines Public
Smallest Community School District: Olin
Best Performing Community School District, Overall: Charles City
Best Performing School Districts, Awarded Within Categories of Size: Charles City (Winner), Des Moines (Runner-Up); Allamakee (Winner), Albia (Runner-Up); Bedford (Winner), Montezuma and Kingsley-Pierson (Runners-Up); Hamburg (Winner), Essex (Runner-Up)
Most Improved Community School District: Charles City
