Times/News Correspondent

The Des Moines City Council, following an unexpected reconsideration, unanimously agreed Sept. 8 to place a proposed property tax levy lid lift on November's general election ballot.

Voters will have the opportunity to decide whether they want to lift the levy lid, which would raise the city's property tax levy from approximately $1.18 to $1.60 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in 2006.

The additional revenue would be dedicated to restoring police services that were cut in the wake of Initiative 695 and other property tax limitation measures passed by voters statewide.

Property taxes on a $250,000 home would increase by about $100 if the levy lid lift is approved.

"I can't go out my front door 15 feet to get the mail without locking my door in fear that a drug addict is going to run through my house," one teary eyed Des Moines resident told council members during the public comment part of the meeting.

" I believe there are issues on both sides of the levy, but [we] all deserve a chance to vote on it," she pleaded.

Council chambers were crowded with concerned residents, most of whom appeared to support the levy lid lift.

"In my case, it would cost me two lattes per month," another resident said, noting what he would have to give up to pay the higher property tax.

"In the average case, it would cost one latte per month. Come on, put the levy on," he urged.

City Manager Piasecki noted that the cost of placing the measure on the ballot would be about $20,000 - significantly less than what the council had expected.

Councilman Richard Benjamin expressed concern with the proposal as lawmakers debated the measure.

"I'm going to be frank here. People don't like to pay more taxes unless they know they're getting something in return for it," Benjamin said.

"If I saw it in writing, I would support the police department. This looks a lot like last year's levy proposal, just disguised as police services."

Des Moines voters defeated a general levy lid lift in November 2004.

Following the failure of an amendment, proposed by Benjamin, to state more specifically what the revenue would be used for, the original motion to put the levy lid lift on the ballot died on a 3-3 vote.

Councilwoman Maggie Steenrod was absent because of a flight delay.

However, after a short recess, Benjamin made a motion to reconsider the levy ordinance.

He stated that he would like to see the addition of one word so the proposition would read that "the purpose of the levy rate increase is to restore funds exclusively for law enforcement."

"Exclusively" was the operative word.

Benjamin then asked City Attorney Linda Marousek if the new wording would ensure that revenues would be directed to the Des Moines Police Department.

"State law prohibits the city from using any of these new funds to supplant existing funding," Marousek replied.

Councilman Scott Thomasson stated that he was concerned that the levy lid lift would significantly limit the council's ability to make budgeting decisions and to keep the budget balanced.

But Piasecki observed that in the next few years the city should have some additional revenue coming in from development agreements and projects such as Highway 99 and the Marina Master Plan that will have a "synergistic effect.

"Can I guarantee all these things are going to happen?" Piasecki continued. "Of course not. But I think the odds are good."

Lawmakers then unanimously approved the motion to place the levy lid lift on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Carrie Wood can be reached at newsdesk@robinsonnews.com, or at 206-444-4873.