Axios reader feedback: Des Moines budget-rescue ideas

Des Moines is hosting a budget discussion Thursday as the city wrestles with an anticipated $12 million shortfall next year, following lawmakers' new limits on property tax growth.

Catch up quick: Library reductions, pool closures and reduction to neighborhood policing are among the ideas floated by city officials recently.

• Mayor Connie Boesen is asking the state of Iowa and large tax-exempt groups like hospitals to make voluntary payments to help cover the city services they use.

Zoom in: Jason and Linh offered a few ideas last week, including expanding sponsorships, leaning on legacy giving, and exploring new revenue opportunities at city amenities, like allowing vendors at Gray's Lake.

Here are some of our readers' ideas:

• "It will take creativity to address any safety, access and liability issues but DMPS and the City have two areas where they could expand exponentially: Library, librarian and pool sharing," — Jackie Norris, DSM
• "I like the focus on Grays Lake for revenue. What about a fundraiser/contest/whatever to get murals on the silos by the playground area?"— Sue Caley, WDM
• "I'm a firm believer in contributing to the cause," — Robert Warren, CEO of Hoyt Sherman Place, which made a voluntary $700 contribution to DSM in lieu of taxes last year.

If you go: Tonight's meeting starts at 6pm at Central Library.