Des Moines Approves Vote For Sales Tax Increase

DES MOINES, IA — Voters will decide in a few months whether Polk County joins most of Iowa in collecting a local-option sales tax after the Des Moines City Council on Monday voted to seek a special election. A March ballot is expected to be set for the one-cent sales tax increase.

The local-option sales tax was passed in Dallas County last month, giving momentum to Polk County communities to look at the issue. State officials have estimated Des Moines would collect $37 million a year in additional sales tax revenue.

Iowa law requires city councils representing 50 percent of the county's residents to approve a vote for a countywide ballot date to be set. West Des Moines' City Council approved supporting a March election last week and with Des Moines' vote Monday, that threshold was met. Ankeny also approved holding a vote on Monday. Urbandale's City Council will decide tonight and Clive will hold a special meeting Dec. 11.

>>Earlier: Dallas County Approves Local-Option Sales Tax

A vote must pass on the March ballot for tax collections to begin July 1, which is when Dallas County's one-cent tax goes into effect. Approval in Polk County would level the tax rate in cities that are located in both counties, such as West Des Moines and Urbandale. If the vote does not pass in Polk County, the tax rates will differ in various parts of those cities.

Cities have until Dec. 29 to decide on ballot language that would specify how the money would be used, but Des Moines officials have said residents want to see it applied to property tax relief, street repairs and improving police, fire and EMS response times.

Supporters of the sales tax increase say it reduces the burden on property owners by providing additional revenue for services and needs that affect everyone, while opponents say it is a regressive tax that adversely affects poorer residents.

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