The Des Moines City Council’s Dec. 11, 2025 meeting served as both a poignant milestone and a busy legislative session as the city prepares for a new year.
The evening was defined by a balance of emotional farewells and pragmatic governance, highlighted by the final meeting for outgoing Councilmembers Matt Mahoney and Mayor Traci Buxton.
Beyond the celebrations, the council approved significant residential expansion for Wesley Homes and unanimously passed mid-biennium budget adjustments designed to steer the city toward long-term financial stability.
Celebrating Outgoing Councilmembers
Both former Mayor Matt Mahoney and current Mayor Traci Buxton were celebrated for serving eight years each on the city council, with the honorees receiving plaques. This will be the last meeting for Mahoney and Buxton, as the incoming councilmembers take their seats in the new year.
City Manager Katherine Caffrey described the accomplishments of both outgoing councilmembers, adding input from staff who have worked with them over the years. Caffrey shed a few tears as she described what a pleasure and honor Buxton and Mahoney were to work with; a few tears were shed by Buxton in return. Members of the public as well as other Councilmembers expressed their appreciation for the kindness and enthusiasm with which Buxton & Mahoney each served the city. Mahoney shared a detailed message of gratitude for city staff, as well as advice for incoming councilmembers.
Mid-Biennium Budget Passes
Finance Director Jeff Friend presented mid-biennium budget adjustments for a second reading. Predicted revenue for 2026 was adjusted downward by $317,000, following economic indicators for a more conservative, realistic forecast.
Friend emphasized that the city has been working toward long-term financial stability, targeting expense reduction with minimal impacts to service, as well as recently introducing a contingency fund. He said that there will be an in-depth discussion of the long-range forecast and revenue enhancement options at the February Study Session.
Councilmember JC Harris expressed dismay at the city’s dire financial prospects and frustration about what he saw as the city making the same mistakes over and over. Mayor Traci Buxton, however, said she remains optimistic about the future, adding that the city is on the right track now financially, after getting through the difficult Covid years. The budget adjustments passed unanimously.
Wesley Homes New Building Passes
Wesley Homes received unanimous approval for a new building. Construction of the 106-unit residential building, along with adjoining recreational areas, is expected to begin in April and continue through November 2027. The plan involves the removal of 22 trees, along with the planting of 99 replacement trees, plus shrubbery. The facility currently has 390 people on their wait-list.
Economic Development Grant Accepted
The council approved the acceptance of an economic development grant for $68,800, with the funds to be used to hire Economic Development Consultant Dan Eernissee. Eernissee will help the city come up with an economic growth plan, a downtown marketing campaign, and better business strategies. The grant requires a 25% funding match, costing the city $17,200 for services through the end of 2026. Councilmember JC Harris was the lone “no” vote.
Flock Camera Concerns
During Public Comments, two community members asked the council to take immediate action to decommission and disable the city’s Flock cameras. They said that a couple of other Washington cities have already taken this step, due to security concerns. They mentioned that the cameras, which read license plates and are used to track down missing and wanted vehicles, can too easily be hacked.
Video
Watch the raw, full video of this council meeting below:
