The special census indicates that Huxley's population was 2,959 at the close of 2006, Haldeman said. That would indicate a growth rate of nearly 28 percent since the 2000 census.

"Since the special census, we have been internally tracking our population through the building permits and utility turn-ons and turn-offs," he said.

"Based on these numbers, we estimate our current population to be over 3100, an approximate increase of 33% percent growth since the 2000 census."

Fueling the growth rate was an estimated 100 new residential building permits issued during 2005 and 2006, as well as a large city annexation to the south.

"Right now, our city limits extend from the country club on the north end of town to (Iowa) Highway 210 on the south," he said.

A new water plant is complete, and the city is two years away from a new sewage plant, Haldeman added. New sanitary sewer lines along Story County 560th St. have reached Interstate 35.

The demand on Huxley's infrastructure has been high, but the city has been able to meet it thus far, Haldeman said.

"You never say never when it comes to growth," he said. "But we feel that, hopefully, we have got a one- or two-step jump on growth management."

 

Located midway between Ames and Des Moines, Huxley is feeling growth pressure from both directions, Haldeman said.

"It's pretty common to have households with two working spouses, with one of them heading north to Ames to work, and the other to Des Moines," he said.

Bob Zientara can be reached at 232-2161, Ext. 487, or rzientara@amestrib.com.

BUILDING BOOM
Residential building permits since 2001:
Year            Permits*
2001                  23
2002                  10
2003                  16
2004                  23
2005                  61
2006                  44
2007                  41
(through December)     

 

* Indicates permits issued; does not separate single- and
multi-family dwellings.

-Source: Huxley City
Administrator's office.