Residents urge West Des Moines council not to cut property tax rate at public hearing

The West Des Moines City Council held a public hearing March 24 on the city—s proposed fiscal year 2025-26 property tax rate, where multiple residents urged the council not to cut the rate so the city can maintain current services.

Miranda Kurt, 31630 Eighth Street, told the council, “I am not in favor of decreasing our taxes. I would like them to stay where they are so that we can continue to get the same amenities and services that we are accustomed to.”

Sreejan Kareem, 122520 Eighth Street, said he supports keeping the rate steady unless the city can identify other revenue sources. Kareem said residents noticed faster snow clearance and other services on the West Des Moines side during a recent storm and warned that cutting the rate could mean losing service levels. He also noted that the proposed total tax would rise because of higher property valuations even if the rate falls.

A speaker identified as Hoag of 413 Second Street addressed housing affordability and the limits of tax cuts for renters. Hoag said about a quarter of West Des Moines households are housing-burdened, that renters shoulder most of the burden, and that lower property tax rates do not directly lower rents. Hoag urged the council to use tools such as allowing accessory dwelling units and duplexes and to fund staffing that speeds development review, saying, “The solution to making West Des Moines more affordable isn't tax cuts, it's lower housing costs.”

Amy Buehrer, who participated by phone, raised allegations about a city attorney that were unrelated to the tax-rate item. Mayor Russ Trimble and staff repeatedly redirected her comments to the topic of the hearing; the mayor allowed a brief statement before closing the public comment period.

City Clerk confirmed the hearing notice ran March 14, 2025, in the Des Moines Register. After public comment the council closed the hearing and announced no action would be taken at that time; the special meeting was adjourned until the regular session at 5:30 p.m.

Why it matters: The property tax rate setting is the step before the council adopts final budget numbers that fund public safety, snow removal, parks and other city services. Speakers at the hearing framed the rate as a lever that affects service levels and staff capacity to carry out development and maintenance work.

Meeting context: The hearing opened as a special meeting called to consider the proposed FY 2025-26 property tax rate. No formal vote on the tax rate occurred at the hearing.

Closing note: The council did not take action on the proposed rate at the March 24 hearing; further consideration will follow during upcoming budget proceedings.