West Des Moines council discusses property tax rates amid housing affordability concerns

During the West Des Moines City Council meeting on March 24, 2025, a significant discussion emerged surrounding the city's housing affordability and the role of staffing and funding in addressing this issue. MJ, a council member, emphasized that the key to making housing more affordable lies not in tax cuts, but in ensuring adequate staffing to manage housing development effectively. "The solution to making West Des Moines more affordable isn't tax cuts, it's lower housing costs," MJ stated, highlighting that tax cuts could hinder the necessary administrative processes required for housing projects.

The meeting also featured public comments, including a controversial exchange where a resident, Amy Buehrer, attempted to address the council regarding a legal matter involving the city attorney. However, the mayor redirected her to stay on topic, which was the proposed property tax rate. This incident underscored the challenges of maintaining focus during public hearings.

As the meeting concluded, no immediate actions were taken regarding the property tax rate, and the council prepared to transition to their regular meeting. The discussions reflect ongoing concerns about housing affordability in West Des Moines and the complexities involved in local governance. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how they address these pressing issues moving forward.