At the Oct. 29 meeting, the Des Moines City Council tackled a range of local issues, balancing public health warnings, key fiscal updates, and upcoming holiday planning.
Alongside an early flu season warning and reminders for Halloween safety, the council unanimously approved a property tax levy increase, budget adjustments to address public defender costs and shifting traffic camera revenues, and tighter rules for the city’s warehouse square footage tax.
Additionally, in a narrow 4–3 vote, councilmembers greenlit the purchase of a $126,500 pre-lit artificial Christmas tree for the annual Winter Waterland festival, opting for a long-term investment over the high recurring costs of decorating a live tree.
Flu Season
Councilmember Pierre Blosse shared that this year’s flu season has hit earlier than usual. He said there is already a good vaccine available, and encouraged people to get it as soon as possible. It is expected to be a bad season for the flu, particularly because it is spreading so early, before many people are vaccinated.
Property Tax Levy
Finance Director Jeff Friend briefly explained the reason for a councilmatic property tax levy of up to a 1% increase. Washington’s tax structure means the state gets the majority of tax dollars, and then cities have to apply for grants to see that funding directly. Des Moines currently receives 6.89% of what residents pay in property taxes. School districts receive the majority of property tax dollars, with other entities like transit, libraries, the county, and the fire district receiving the rest. The council unanimously approved this levy. See link for charts and details on how this tax will affect the average homeowner.
Budgeting
Budget amendments were also unanimously approved for 2026. Included in the amendments were a $55,000 increase in public defense costs due to new statewide limitations on public defender caseloads, and a greater than expected reduction in traffic camera revenue. More drivers have learned where they need to slow down, hopefully creating safer roads for all. In addition, sales tax revenue increased by $325,000 over the expected amount.
Update To Warehouse Square Footage Tax
The warehouse square footage tax was first implemented in January 2025, and was meant to capture revenue from businesses that don’t pay traditional taxes. Companies pay the larger of either gross receipts tax or the square footage tax. In order to make sure the square footage tax does not hurt small businesses, there is a 4,000 square-foot threshold before this tax is assessed.
Since its inception, revenue from this tax has been far below what was expected. Part of the problem was that it was new, and needed time for businesses to get into compliance. However, many companies have reported large areas of their business as exempt from this tax. This update is meant to reduce those loopholes. Small businesses and those reporting gross receipts remain exempt from this tax. This update passed unanimously.
Winter Waterland Tree
Assistant City Manager AJ Johnson Newton shared info on the free family event on Dec. 4 from 5–8 p.m. Santa will arrive by boat to the Winter Waterland festival, where there will be a holiday market, live entertainment, and photos with Santa. The tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m.
The council had to decide whether to purchase a pre-lit tree that could be used for the next decade, or continue to decorate a live tree that grows in the area. Last year, the live tree took five staff members 60 hours to decorate. Currently, that tree is slated for removal as part of the marina steps project, but it was left standing in case it is needed for holiday celebrations.
For a cost breakdown, decorating the existing tree last year cost the city $25,000. Renting a tree would cost $32,000 annually. Purchasing a pre-lit tree costs $126,500, which breaks down to around $25,000 each year for the next five years. The annual cost goes down for each additional year it is used, and it is believed that the tree could remain useful for over ten years if properly stored. The cost for the tree will come from the waterfront zone fund, the marina fund, and the lodging tax.
While Councilmember Blosse argued for using the live tree again, which he said was great last year, the purchase of an artificial tree was approved in a 4–3 vote. Deputy Mayor Gene Achziger and Councilmember JC Harris also voted against the purchase.
Halloween Events
Kids will be out on the streets this weekend for Halloween, and drivers should be extra cautious on both Friday and Saturday evenings.
The Des Moines Theater is holding a Halloween party this Saturday, for those 21 and over. Doors open at 7 p.m., with live music playing 80s hits starting at 8 p.m.
In addition, clocks will need to be changed back one hour on Sunday. Oh, and be sure to check your smoke detectors!
