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?”
Smart Government. Shared Resources
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
Des Moines Fire Chief Sets a Good Example
The Younker’s building fire has everyone reeling, and saddened. Right now it’s hard to see anything good through the haze, but there are a few silver linings to this tragedy. Des Moines Fire Chief John TeKippe has and continues to
Easy Choice for Taxpayers on Des Moines Franchise Fee Referendum
On March 4, 2014 residents of Des Moines will be asked to vote on whether the City ought to have the option of raising the franchise fee (which is applied to all gas & electric utility bills) in order to