The Rev. Joseph Pierson, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Webster City, addresses the City Council of Webster City Monday in opposition to a request from the ACLU of Iowa to stop classifying drag shows as "adult entertainment," and so, possibly opening them up to children.

In June 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa sent a letter to five cities in Iowa, including Webster City, asking them to change language in local ordinances that classify “female impersonators” and “male impersonators” as “adult entertainment,” charging that such definitions are unconstitutional.

The City Council of Webster City passed a first reading of a measure that complied with ACLU’s demands, prepared by City Attorney Zach Chizek, at its August 4, 2025, meeting.

But Monday night was another story.

The Rev. Joseph Pierson, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Webster City, rose and spoke to the Council against the changes proposed by the ACLU, saying they “twisted God’s created order.”

“I admonish you to do your job and protect all in this community from all manner of harm,” he told the Council, referring specifically to the opening up of drag shows to audiences containing young children.

Pierson had support on the Council, with Councilwoman Abbie Hanson saying, “I do not believe it is a good practice to amend our city ordinances based on the opinion of outside groups, and am not in favor of proceeding with these changes.”

She was joined in voting against the measure by Councilman Matt McKinney and Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Logan Welch.

The sole supporter of the measure was Councilwoman Megan McFarland.

In similar cases across the country, the ACLU has pursued its objectives in court. It remains to be seen if that will be the course taken by ACLU of Iowa in Webster City’s case.

In other action, the Council unanimously approved a new Series 2025 General Obligation bond issue.

A bond is essentially an agreement the city makes to borrow money, paying it back, with interest, over a period of years. General obligation bonds are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the City of Webster City and paid from city funds rather than from revenues, such as those from electricity sales.

The $2.8 million raised from sale of the Series 2025 bonds will be used for improvements to streets, the water utility, sanitary and storm sewers and sidewalks, all of which are ongoing projects across Webster City.

Speaking of the use of bonds in financing city projects in general, City Manager John Harrenstein said, “Annual bond issues are routine given the nature and cost of infrastructure projects today. We would be unable to make these improvements without bonding.

“Today, Webster City has $12.115 million of outstanding debt. This is a little larger than some other, comparably-sized Iowa cities, but remains manageable. The amount of the bond issue approved tonight is already included in the fiscal year 2026 budget.”

The bonds will be repaid over 18 years, with the first installment due in 2027. The city retains an option to prepay both principal and interest on the bonds for the years 2034-2044.

Susanne Gerlach, managing director, PFM Financial Advisors LLC, Des Moines, described the bidding for the city’s 2025 bond series, which was completed earlier today, as “extremely successful with really good pricing.” There were nine bids from a total of 32 banks around the country, with Robert W. Baird & Co., Milwaukee, submitting the winning bid.

The City of Webster City’s credit rating remains at AA-, the “second highest rating possible,” according to Gerlach.

The Council also approved a request from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Webster City, to temporarily close Des Moines Street between Water and Bank streets, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, October 11, to allow the church to hold its annual auto show. Proceeds from the show will help fund a 2026 youth trip. The public is invited to attend the auto show.