DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines City Council approved a proposal to balance the city’s budget, which includes nearly $1 million in cuts to the police and fire departments.
After the new property tax law capped local revenue growth at 2%, the city of Des Moines was at a $12 million shortfall for fiscal year 2028 and an additional $5 million deficit the following year. After months of public feedback and public meetings, City Manager Scott Sanders presented his initial cuts to the council in late August, and now members approved the measure in a 6 to 1 vote.
Some of the largest cuts will impact the Des Moines Police and Fire Departments, totaling $981,000…