Des Moines Police Officers are on the front lines 24/7, but our current funding isn't keeping pace with our community's growing needs. A safe neighborhood not only protects you and your family but also enhances the value of your property. As our city experiences population growth and rising crime rates, the demand for police services is increasing. Yet, the city’s budget can't support these critical services without additional funding. 

Currently, the property tax rate is $0.90 per $1,000 of assessed value. The proposed Public Safety Levy Lid Lift will raise this by $0.50 in 2025, allowing the city to retain existing officers, add four additional police officers, and cover essential costs like police vehicles and court services. For a $600,000 property, this increase amounts to just 82 cents a day—an investment in Des Moines' safety and well-being. 

This measure will enhance response efficiency and bolster police presence, increasing safety for you, and your family. Without this levy, we risk significant cuts to our police force, potentially leading to slower response times. A vote Yes on Proposition No. 1 is a vote to keep Des Moines safe and secure. Let’s give our police the resources they need to protect our community. Tax exemptions may be available for seniors, persons with disabilities, and disabled veterans.

Submitted by: Bettina Carey, askbettina@gmail.com

Last November, the City Council ignored the warnings, passed a flawed budget, and rewarded its author with a staggering $450,000 severance package. Then, they took out a $24 million loan with little consideration about repayment. They now expect the taxpayers to cover for their ineptitude, even as they continue wasting millions on non-revenue-producing projects such as the passenger ferry and the Marina Steps.

This 57% local tax increase is an unacceptable burden on working families. The real issue is the City Council's continuing fiscal mismanagement and lack of transparency. Transparency builds trust, and disguising this money grab as a public safety issue harms the police and the Council's integrity. And threats to dismantle parks and rec are punitive and spiteful.  We're tired of being scolded for our "failure to understand" budgeting when the Council hides the facts and refuses to consider citizen priorities.

We already voiced our opposition in August, and the Council made no effort to change its ways or this proposition. The same tone-deaf Councilmembers who supported this fiscal disaster still call the shots. Instead of resorting to a tax increase, they should focus on productive ways to increase revenues and cut wasteful spending. Vote No again.

Submitted by:  Susan White, susanrdo@aol.com

This public safety levy is essential for keeping our community safe. It insulates our police from budget cuts and safeguards public safety from cuts in other areas of the general fund. The levy is only a 3.85% increase in your total property tax, with funds kept in a dedicated public safety fund for full transparency. A vote for the levy is a vote for safety, security, and the continued well-being of Des Moines.

Submitted by: Bettina Carey, askbettina@gmail.com

Prop 1 is a Band-Aid where major surgery is needed. Even if it would pass, the city predicts deficits throughout the decade. Structural changes are required, or we'll repeat this lunacy every few years. That's punishing the police as well as the voters. Passing a budget is difficult; ignoring the obvious is negligent. The sooner we start living within our means, the better. Stop the vanity projects and proceed with the revenue-raising alternatives you have.

Submitted by:  Susan White, susanrdo@aol.com

Download the full text of the ordinance

Simple majority (RCW 84.55.050)

For questions about this measure, contact: Taria Keane, City Clerk, (206) 870-6552, tkeane@desmoineswa.gov