Scoop: Des Moines will consider a 50% franchise fee increase

Catch up fast: DART is a regional service, and much of its $43.4 million operating budget is shared among metro cities.

• DSM's share of the budget will grow over the next five years under a prior agreement between the city and transit's regional board.

State of play: DSM is facing a $17 million budget shortfall in the fiscal year starting in July, the same year its DART contributions are expected to increase by $2 million.

• The city has reached the maximum allowable property tax collections for the agency's services, which cost approximately $10 million annually, or about $104 for an owner of a $200,000 home.

Context: The fee is a charge cities can assess on utilities that use public property like street rights-of-way.

• It currently collects around $13 million a year.
• During a Wednesday budget meeting, council members discussed ensuring that the additional funds would go directly to transit services and minimize the financial burden on residents.

What's next: City Council will consider the directive Monday. If approved, it will direct City Manager Scott Sanders to explore raising the fee and to submit a proposal in the coming weeks.