New Community and Economic Development Director Charlie Dissel has begun work at the City of Indianola, and faces a large project right away: the development and update of the city’s comprehensive plan.

Dissel tells KNIA News attracting businesses to the area is great, but it has to be done in the correct way to make sure it works as a benefit rather than a burden to the tax base.

“When you are really looking at what we can do to help grow, you look at what incentives we can offer, what are they asking for, and we have to present a package that we can provide what they need. We have a lot of room to grow residentially as well, so companies know that if they move here we have space for their employees to live so we can grow from the business and from residential.”

Dissel also said that growing the city but keeping the small town feel is also a big factor in city plans for the future.