(Des Moines, Iowa) – Auditor of State Rob Sand, Monday, congratulated counties, cities, and school districts across Iowa for participating in the Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) program. “The Auditor’s Office is excited to see local leaders share our passion for saving tax dollars,” said Sand. “Collectively, we have the potential to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in savings for our communities.”

Sand created the PIE program in 2019 to encourage governmental entities to implement cost-cutting measures and spark innovative ideas to save public funds. The PIE program also provides local leaders with tools to collaborate and share their concepts, known as PIE recipes, via the Auditor of State website. “If someone has a great idea on how to save tax dollars, we want them to spread the word,” said Sand. “PIE provides local leaders with an easy, streamlined sharing process.”

In the last year, PIE participation in Iowa has increased by more than 55%. Eighty-four counties and 310 cities submitted entries in 2021, and for the first time, 121 school districts participated. The PIE program has proven so successful, that the Mississippi Auditor of State, a Republican, launched the program in his state. “This shows that when you put people over partisan politics, we all win,” said Sand. 

Auditor Sand congratulates the 2022 PIE winners listed below and thanks them for their participation. He will hand-deliver a pie to officials in each community at a later date.
COUNTIES
Largest County: Polk
Smallest County: Ringgold
Best Performing County: Johnson
Best Performing Largest Fifth County: Johnson
Best Performing Second Fifth County: Clayton
Best Performing Middle Fifth County: Kossuth
Best Performing Fourth Fifth County: Louisa
Best Performing Smallest Fifth County: Ringgold
Most Improved County: Jackson
CITIES
Largest City: Des Moines
Smallest City: Beaconsfield
Best Performing City: Des Moines
Best Performing Largest Fifth City: Des Moines
Best Performing Second Fifth City: Guttenburg
Best Performing Middle Fifth City: Milo
Best Performing Fourth Fifth City: Plainfield
Best Performing Smallest Fifth City: Fostoria
Most Improved City: Gilbertville
COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Largest Community School District: Davenport
Smallest Community School District: Gilmore City-Bradgate
Best Performing Community School District: Hamburg
Best Performing 4A Community School District: College
Best Performing 4A Runner Up Community School District: Bettendorf
Best Performing 3A Community School District: Howard-Winneshiek
Best Performing 3A Runner Up Community School District: Sioux Central
Best Performing 2A Community School District: MFL-MarMac
Best Performing 2A Runner Up Community School District: Missouri Valley
Best Performing 1A Community School District: Hamburg
Best Performing 1A Runner Up Community School District: Belle Plaine