These metro Des Moines cities avoided property tax hikes
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Polk County's largest cities either lowered or maintained their residential property tax rates for the fiscal year that started July 1, according to data published this month by the Iowa Department of Management (DOM).
Why it matters: This is the first fiscal year that new state formulas approved by lawmakers in 2023 are fully in effect, significantly limiting local governments' ability to raise new property taxes.
- Some metro cities have increased franchise fees on natural gas and electricity, reduced staff and eliminated some services because of the financial squeeze.
By the numbers: Grimes homeowners' rates dropped by about 15 cents per $1,000 of valuation over the previous year, while those in Urbandale and West Des Moines saw a 5-cent decrease.
- Altoona and Bondurant's are down less than a penny, according to the DOM's statewide city tax report.
Reality check: Steady or reduced rates don't mean lower property tax bills because they are only one factor in Iowa's complex 18-month tax cycle.
What's next: Gov. Kim Reynolds plans to focus on property tax relief in her final legislative session next year, indicating that the system could change again before she leaves office.