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Council approves $125,000 pavement‑markings program after resident praise; 3–1 vote
Summary
After a public hearing and resident praise for improved legibility, the council approved the 2026 pavement‑markings program. One member voted against the $125,000 expense; council discussed capitalization vs. expense treatment.
The West Des Moines City Council voted 3–1 on Aug. 3 to approve the 2026 pavement‑markings program, which includes removing old paint and refreshing bike and roadway symbols across the city.
Resident MJ Hogue commended staff for removing old paint, saying, "clearing off that old paint makes a huge difference in the legibility of the symbols, and it has not gone unnoticed, and it is appreciated." Council members asked about accounting treatment; one councilmember argued the project looked like a capital improvement and questioned why it was being expensed. Another councilmember said the markings are part of safety improvements and supported proceeding in the current budget year. The motion to approve passed 3 yes, 1 no.
Staff explained that the test to capitalize an asset depends on whether the project extends the useful life of the underlying street; because the work is maintenance of markings rather than extending pavement life, staff said it is appropriate to expense the cost in the current year. The council asked staff to look for efficiencies in future years while proceeding with this project now.
