Recap from the Feb. 23, 2026, meeting.
Meeting run by President: Mark Roberts
Thought of the Day: Bobby Fiedler
Welcome, Online Guests: Melanie Alexander
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Keith Porter- The Iowa Women’s Basketball team defeated Michigan Wolverines 62–44 on Sunday. Keith is happy to hear that our club is committed to sending one MHS student to the 2026 World Affairs Summit. The Stanley Center will match that effort by sponsoring a second student. MHS Principal Ryan Castle confirmed that two students have already been identified for the program. We will schedule a future meeting to introduce the students to the club before they attend the summit this summer.
Megan Francis- This Thursday at 5 p.m. at Proof Social, we will host a Volunteer Kickoff for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This is a great opportunity for young leaders who are interested in serving on an event committee and gaining leadership experience.
Club Business:
- Hancher Ticket Raffle- 2 Tickets to Beetlejuice at Hancher will be raffled to raise money for scholarships and student leadership opportunities like RYLA and the World Affairs Conference. Tickets are available for purchase from February 2 to March 2, for $20 each or 6 for $100. Flyers are available at meetings and will be distributed via email.
- March Social- Join us at the Creek for a wine tasting social event on Tuesday, March 3rd, from 4:30-6:30. This is a perfect event to invite a prospective member to meet club members.
- Remember the Rotary Foundation when you consider giving to organizations. The Foundation supports local and international service projects. You can give through ACH or check. Talk to Lindsey for more information.
- Gretchen Nolman will lead monthly ClubRunner training on the 3rd Monday at 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Training will be held on Zoom for anyone interested in learning more about ClubRunner.
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
- We are looking for members to join the board. This is a great opportunity to get involved and give back.
Presentation-
Matt Mardesen- City Administrator
Matt Mardesen, City of Muscatine Administrator, explained the City’s budget process and how it has been streamlined this year. The number of budget meetings was reduced from 13 to 7 by cutting discussion on areas with little local control, such as insurance premiums, and focusing instead on areas where the City can influence spending and services.
City staff continues to work toward a lean budget while addressing a funding shortfall of more than $700,000. Property taxes, which support Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, the Library, the Art Center, and City Administration, remain a key topic of discussion. A possible property tax increase will be presented at the budget meeting on Thursday, February 26, at 5:30 p.m.
The Council and staff are also exploring moving the budget process online in the future to improve transparency and public access.
Missed Monday’s Meeting? Enjoy the recording using the link below.
Passcode: hSS4mK+0
Next Meetings:
March 3- I-Smile
March 9- Project Search
March 16- Muscatine Women’s Leadership Network
