DART is set to launch its first budget year using a new formula that bases property taxes for regional transit services on a population and service calculation, CEO Elizabeth Presutti tells Axios.

Why it matters: Des Moines' estimated transit tax rate will grow from around 95 cents per $1,000 valuation to an estimated $1.50 in the next eight years as the new formula is phased in.

• That’s roughly $62 more a year for a person with a $200,000 home after tax breaks are factored.
• West Des Moines’ estimated tax rate will grow by about 12 cents.
• All other areas will retain or reduce their current tax rate contributions.

The backdrop: Lawmakers gave DART the ability to collect property tax in 2006 from the communities it serves.

• Its budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 is almost $38 million, mostly paid through property tax and fare revenue.

The state of play: DART Commission members have wrestled for years with how to fairly distribute costs for the service.

• The new formula factors in population and uses service tiers to help determine a city’s contribution.

Yes, but: DART’s Commission has determined that property taxes are not a viable long-term funding mechanism.

• Special taxes on sales, vehicles, income, payroll, fuel, hotel/motels and car rentals are all under consideration.

What's next: Budget diversification could take years and require approval from lawmakers and voters.

• DART is monitoring statewide legislation that would allow hotel/motel taxes to help pay for regional transit services.
• If approved, local taxpayers could be asked to vote on a special hotel/motel transit tax within the next year to lower property tax rates.

Urban farmers are steaming about a resurrected idea to ban roosters in DSM that we told you about last week.

• We also reported the city is considering new "sound permit zones" downtown.

Worlds collide: Councilperson Linda Westergaard asked the city’s legal team to bring back the rooster ban proposal during a wider discussion about urban noise pollution.

What they're saying: A blanket ban would be unfair and could halt city flocks from hatching their own chicks, Kathy Byrnes from Birds & Bees Urban Farm in Sherman Hill told Jason.

• "It’s laughable to single them out. The dogs in the neighborhood are a much bigger nuisance," Union Park neighborhood-area resident and rooster owner Chance Kruse told Jason.

Their argument: Roosters help protect hens, they can be pets and they’re not all stereotypically noisy.

• Crowing can be minimized by keeping roosts dark during twilight hours.
• And "no-crow" collars made of nothing more than Velcro can help. (Check out this how-to video from a guy with a possum on his head.)

What's next: There will be more public discussion about the matter, Westergaard told Jason.

• She'll wait for a city staff recommendation before considering a crowing compromise.

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park will get a $300K lighting makeover this year.

Why it matters: The park has become an iconic piece of DSM since it opened 12 years ago.

• Proper lighting is important for both the presentation and protection of the world-famous outdoor sculptures valued at more than $40 million.

Flashback: The 4.4-acre park is a product of decades of downtown revitalization efforts.

• It is best known for the sculptures, donated by businessman John Pappajohn and his wife, Mary. Many of which were on their Des Moines lawn prior to being relocated to the park.

What’s next: DSM is taking bids to replace the old lighting system with new LED technology, Parks and Recreation director Ben Page told Jason.

• Construction will begin this summer and be completed by year’s end.

DSM Pasta Co. is the newest business in town that's rolling out fresh noodles, as well as prepared meal kits.

How it started: Kali Brudos and her husband AJ are lifelong hospitality industry workers.

• For years, Brudos said she "begged" her husband to help her make fresh pasta at home after her mom gifted her a roller. One day, they finally made it ... and three more times that week.

What's happening: The couple launched DSM Pasta Co. at the beginning of 2021 and are rolling out fresh homemade noodles for people to order and pickup every week.

• They have classic varieties like spaghetti and fettuccine. But there's also beet-dyed noodles and rose-shaped ravioli.
• Besides the pasta, they also sell pairings like pesto cream sauce and roasted garlic butter.

"You can definitely taste the freshness in the pasta," Brudos said. "It definitely has a little bit more of a bite.

• You can order fresh pasta, meal kits and take-and-bake meals online here and pick them up at the Robert Mickle Center.

Linh's take: My love language is pasta, so I'll take a bouquet, please.

Do you ever wonder what out-of-state people think of us?

DSM plans to demolish the former Chesterfield School to make room for the $68 million DART operations and maintenance facility we told you about last week.

The intrigue: We don’t know a whole lot about the building, which has for decades been used as part of a community center site.

• The only DMPS records on it are from a booklet published in 1966, which states there’s not much known.

• It sits in an area previously known interchangeably as Chesterfield and Gilbert that became a part of DSM in 1890.
• Gilbert’s school district merged with DMPS in 1907.
• It was known in the 1960s as the Scott School, in recognition of Iowa pioneer William Alexander Scott.

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