The renewal of the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (“PPEL”) is on the ballot in November. This levy, the funds from which can only be used for repairs and maintenance of school buildings along with a range of equipment needs,
Another LOSST Election
On August 6, 2019, voters in five Polk County cities will have an opportunity to vote on imposing the 1-cent local option sales tax (LOSST) on retail sales in their communities. The five cities are Bondurant, Clive, Grimes, Johnston, and
Smart Government. Shared Resources
Here’s our response to the Business Record’s question, “What one big thing could central Iowa do to be a better place to live?”
Tis the season… For cities to decide how they’ll spend your taxes.
Tis the season… For cities to decide how they’ll spend your taxes. Budget workshops and council meetings are being held in cities throughout Central Iowa (many tomorrow, December 12th) during which your local governments will discuss the budgets for Fiscal
There’s More to the Story Than Tax Rates
This is the time of year when local governments finalize their budgets for the coming year (starting July 1). One of the first things people look at is what’s happening with the property tax rate. Often a city will proudly
“User Fee” or “Harmful, New Tax”
Des Moines Right-of-Way Management Fee Proposal On Monday, September 8, 2014 the City of Des Moines approved a first reading of an adjustment to their right-of-way management fees. These are fees that are charged to utilities and other companies to
Many Cities Increase Tax Rates
Cities have completed their budgets and it’s always interesting to look at updated property tax rate comparisons and changes from the prior year. Property tax rates and property taxes do not tell the whole story about relative efficiency among communities.
West Des Moines Microsoft Project Financing Works for Property Taxpayers
Recently the City of West Des Moines announced a $1.13 billion investment by Microsoft Corporation in a new data center. The Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa has endorsed the project’s financing as a good deal for property taxpayers, and here’s