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Ames officials warn state levy caps could force cuts or new fees; local funding tools discussed
Summary
Officials at the town budget meeting said proposed state limits on property-tax levies could leave cities unable to meet rising costs, prompting discussion of alternatives including franchise fees, hotel-motel taxes, connection fees, special assessments and reallocation of local option sales tax.
City Manager Steve Shanker warned residents that the state legislature's proposals to limit the general levy could constrain the city's ability to maintain services. "The state legislature is putting clamps on us on what we can collect as far as property taxes," Shanker said, adding that caps would make it hard to fund both existing services and new projects.
Finance staff and council allies discussed…
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