At the Oct. 29 meeting, the Des Moines City Council tackled a range of local issues, balancing public health warnings, key fiscal updates, and upcoming holiday planning.
Alongside an early flu season warning and reminders for Halloween safety, the council unanimously approved a property tax levy increase, budget adjustments to address public defender costs and shifting traffic camera revenues, and tighter rules for the city’s warehouse square footage tax.
Additionally, in a narrow 4–3 vote, councilmembers greenlit the purchase of a $126,500 pre-lit artificial Christmas tree for the annual Winter Waterland festival, opting for a long-term investment over the high recurring costs of decorating a live tree.
Flu Season
Councilmember Pierre Blosse shared that this year’s flu season has hit earlier than usual. He said there is already a good vaccine available, and encouraged people to get it as soon as possible. It is expected to be a bad season for the flu, particularly because it is spreading so early, before many people are vaccinated.
Property Tax Levy
Finance Director Jeff Friend briefly explained the reason for a councilmatic property tax levy of up to a 1% increase. Washington’s tax structure means the state gets the majority of tax dollars, and then cities have to apply for grants to see that funding directly. Des Moines currently receives 6.89% of what residents pay in property taxes. School districts receive the majority of property tax dollars, with other entities like transit, libraries, the county, and the fire district receiving the rest. The council unanimously approved this levy. See link for charts and details on how this tax will affect the average homeowner.
Budgeting
Budget amendments were also unanimously approved for 2026. Included in the amendments were a $55,000 increase in public defense costs due to new statewide limitations on public defender caseloads, and a greater than expected reduction in traffic camera revenue. More drivers have learned where they need to slow down, hopefully creating safer roads for all. In addition, sales tax revenue increased by $325,000 over the expected amount.
Update To Warehouse Square Footage Tax
The warehouse square footage tax was first implemented in January 2025, and was meant to capture revenue from businesses that don’t pay traditional taxes. Companies pay the larger of either gross receipts tax or the square footage tax. In order to make sure the square footage tax does not hurt small businesses, there is a 4,000 square-foot threshold before this tax is assessed…