SSMID is an acronym for the Self Supported Municipal Improvement District. This district was established in April 1998, as a means for all property owners to help fund projects in the downtown district. From the Christmas decor to streetscape project, property owners helped pay for improvements.

According to the public legal notice printed in the April 24, 1998 Daily Freeman Journal, it described the SSMID as this: “the purpose of which the district are the undertaking of actions and the design and construction of any and all improvements and self-liquidating improvements as defined in the Act and the performance of administration, redevelopment and revitalization of the district. All of the property within the district should have a potential benefit from the condition, development and maintenance of the district.”

This district generates tax dollars which can be used for projects to enhance the district where they are paying this additional tax. The intent was for the business community to work together, and in the process also improve their own buildings and entrances. Some followed through, others did not.

So who is a member of the SSMID? The property owners who have sidewalks in downtown Webster City, where there are bricks embedded in the concrete as part of their frontage are in the SSMID district. They pay an additional amount in taxes to be collected that can only be used for the betterment of the downtown properties.

The dollars generated helped pay for the beautification of the downtown district. This occurred at the same time the city needed to tear up the infrastructure under the streets, and property owners were asked to update their sidewalks at the same time.

It was a perfect time for a streetscape project.

For 20 years, Bill Greenley headed up the SSMID committee. It has since been the responsibility of Kevin Rubash, owner of Interior Spaces.

Although the improvements in the downtown area are over 25 years old now, the First Impressions committee received positive feedback about how the downtown area looks today.

But there was also a recommendation that Webster City needs to attract people traveling on U.S. Highway 20 to come into the downtown district.

Rubash has ideas. With the celebration of America’s 250, and the monarch butterflies which travel through our area, he believes there are opportunities to promote the area more.

The SSMID dollars have been used in the past 26 years to help with tree plantings, Christmas decor, benches, planters and historic signage. In recent years, money has been used to partner with the mural and bike rack on Willson Avenue.

Each year the SSMID purchases the plants which are planted by the Master Gardeners group. This has been done under the guidance of Dick Carlson, who helps organize and plant the many planters downtown.

The SSMID members meet once or twice a year. The meeting held earlier in 2026, elected Rubash as chair again, with Andy Hejlik as vice chairman and John Marvel as secretary.

Currently they are working on ideas to celebrate America250.

“We are actively trying to get more interested,” said Marvel. “We need more people, it’s for your town, it’s where people can make a difference; they need to get involved.”

More owners and business managers are needed to offer ideas, input and manpower. The next meeting, according to Rubash, will be in May.

So as the winter snows fade away and the planters become filled with springtime beauty, remember that the project continues faithfully with stewards who would welcome more helping hands and ideas.