Robins’ use of engineers is efficient, effective

In response to several articles pertaining to the Robins City Council and Robins' contract with the city's engineering firm: I am a council member who has lived in Robins for 41 years. I have been involved in Robins government for 27 years.

I care very much about this city. When the mayor brought up the matter of the city engineer, I checked the rates that several other cities pay for engineering services and found them to be comparable to what Robins pays. This engineering firm has been involved with the design and execution of many capital projects for the city over the past 17 years, and all have been accomplished efficiently and effectively.

The council received a letter from the president of the Iowa Engineering Society, who encouraged us to use Qualification Based Selection for engineering services. Snyder and Associates have all the qualifications for city needs and represent the city's interest during the review process of multiple city projects over the past years.

Our tremendous residential growth along with well-engineered development has enabled us to maintain one of the lowest city tax rates in Linn County. This council is very prudent in the spending of tax money and has always had open meetings and discussions about expenditures. The mayor's public comments do not accurately reflect the real situation and process. I welcome further discussion on this. My telephone number is (319) 393-0418.

Marilyn Cook

Robins