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Johnston reduces Bravo arts funding share from 28.57% to 25%; one councilmember votes no
Summary
The Johnston City Council approved an amendment to its intergovernmental agreement with Bravo Greater Des Moines Inc., cutting the city's hotel‑motel tax contribution from 28.57% to 25%, a change staff said would retain about $13,662 locally; Councilman Culp voted against the resolution.
The Johnston City Council on an evening vote approved a resolution amending the city's intergovernmental agreement with Bravo Greater Des Moines Inc., reducing Johnston's share of hotel‑motel tax collections given to Bravo from 28.57% to 25%.
City staff member Mike told the council the proposed change was driven by recent state property‑tax legislation (House File 718) and would allow the city to retain about $13,662 in local funds while continuing to support Bravo. Mike said that, based on fiscal 2024 figures, Johnston's Bravo contribution under the existing formula had been $109,301 of $382,554 in hotel‑motel revenue.
The change drew a spirited exchange from councilmembers. Councilman Culp said he would oppose the amendment and urged continued regional support for arts and culture, saying, “I will be voting against this.” He framed his objection around the importance of sustaining nonprofit arts funding and concerns about the council’s message to regional partners.
Other councilmembers argued the city's overall hotel‑motel revenue — and the regional formula that routes funds to Bravo — has grown over time and that the amendment keeps Johnston’s support substantial while returning modest funds to the city’s general fund or other eligible uses. Staff noted state law requires at least 50% of hotel‑motel revenue be used on cultural, recreational or visitor‑related purposes; the remainder may be used for other legal public purposes, including parks and recreation.
The motion to approve resolution 25‑121 passed 4–1. Councilmember Burkhart cast the lone recorded no vote; Councilmembers Cope, Evans, Martin and Ready voted yes.
Background: Johnston has participated in a 2011 intergovernmental agreement with Bravo and 16 other metro jurisdictions that pools hotel‑motel tax receipts for regional cultural funding. Mike told the council several partner cities were considering the same proportional change; Ankeny was cited as one that had already adopted a similar adjustment.
The council did not designate a specific use for the locally retained funds during the meeting. Staff said the retained money would remain subject to hotel‑motel spending rules and that the 25% figure could change with future hotel‑motel revenue fluctuations.
