Des Moines library supporters rally as city weighs cuts
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Miffy outside the Central Library. Photo: Jason Clayworth
Des Moines Public Library supporters filled the City Council chambers Monday morning to support the library ahead of potential budget cuts, but city officials questioned: If they don't cut there, then where?
The big picture: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law yesterday capping property tax revenue growth at 2% annually, forcing the city to consider cuts on services across the board.
State of play: City staff are holding budget meetings roughly six months earlier than usual, projecting a $12 million shortfall in fiscal year 2028, and growing to a total of $17 million the following year.
- The cuts would go into place July 1, 2027.
- "This is not our doing. This is what our state has given us," Mayor Connie Boesen said.
Flashback: GOP lawmakers cited homeowners' growing bills as a driving force behind the new law.
- For most local governments, those dollars cover everything from public safety to libraries to parks.
Friction point: Des Moines' general fund, which pays for most public services, makes up about $242–250 million of its nearly $1 billion annual budget.
- Councilman Rob Barron asked City Manager Scott Sanders if he expected cuts to be proportional to each department. Sanders said they would not be initially, noting that public safety makes up roughly 60% of the city's general fund.
- Since the cuts aren't equal, Barron said, he expects the forthcoming budget conversations to be "very political" and wants it to be a "tremendously public process," especially as the council decides who faces what cuts.
Zoom out: Des Moines isn't alone in facing budget pressure from the new cap.
- Polk County Supervisor Matt McCoy spoke with the Clive City Council last week, noting that law enforcement alone makes up $100 million of the county's budget, and while revenue growth is constrained, the costs of wages, health insurance, retirement and overtime are not.
Between the lines: Unlike newer suburbs that can generate additional tax base by building on vacant land, Des Moines is in a rebuilding phase, redoing roads, bridges and levees, with fewer financial levers left to pull, Boesen says.
What's next: The city laid out a timeline for the FY 2028 budget review:
- June 17: Budget workshop for council and staff to review potential savings options across all departments
- July–August: Public meetings and an online survey where residents can weigh in on spending priorities
- September–October: Council direction to the city manager on cuts and potential new revenue sources
- November: Final budget recommendations before the December property tax valuation deadline