DES MOINES, Iowa — During Monday night’s meeting the Des Moines City Council discussed the proposed funding that Des Moines Area Regional Transit could receive from the franchise fee that was passed over the summer.
Grimes has already cut DART out of its budget and Bondurant is in the process. With the two cities leaving, DART is also making budget changes. Next summer the service will reduce its 27 main routes to just ten. The change is an attempt to reduce costs while still providing the needed service. DART says it provided nearly 4 million rides this fiscal year.
Des Moines leaders also hope to shift the cost from taxpayers to energy users. The city approved a new franchise fee in July, which will be added to utility bills. The money could become a funding source for DART.
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According to a funding proposal from the city, $2 million in franchise fee revenue would go to DART next year and would increase to $3.6 million in 2027. DART would then received 70% of all franchise fee revenue in 2028, 2029 and 2030. The remaining 30% would be available if DART agrees to reduce its property tax levy.
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Councilman Chris Coleman says Des Moines is funding the bulk of a service that benefits other communities…