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OTTUMWA -- City officials across the Hawkeye state head to Des Moines for an annual conference.

The Iowa League of Cities is hosting its event in the capital city from Wednesday through Friday this week.  Ottumwa public information officer Tom Rodgers says it’s a great way of networking with other Iowa towns.

“It’s a good chance for our leaders to meet with folks in other communities, especially our elected officials to meet with their counterparts from other towns larger and smaller,” Rodgers said. 

The number one issue for cities is working with a limited budget.

“As cities across the state struggle, in many cases with budgeting issues and providing their essential services, it's a great opportunity for those folks to gather and look at what other communities are doing to see what good ideas they may be able to bring home.”

Among Ottumwa’s delegation at the conference is Mayor Dale Uehling, councilmen Bob Meyers, Jeremy Weller and Keith Caviness.