[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by verified resident. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of South King Media, nor its staff.]
Recently, a couple articles/letters have been published, criticizing the City leadership and its spending decisions.
I am taking this opportunity to address a few concerns citizens may have as they consider trust and transparency inside of our City government. Please recognize that the opinions expressed here are my own, and may not necessarily reflect that of Staff or my colleagues.
Why is Prop 1 on the ballot again?
The City of Des Moines has not gone out to the voters since 2006. That means we needed good advice for how to proceed. Since the Firefighters are experts, we sat at the table with them and took their advice, which was: “Put it on the ballot in August. If that fails, put it on in November. If that fails, put in on in the Spring – that is what we are going to do.”
This is the same paradigm that our legislators and congressional reps use in their arenas.
It will take a short moment to send another message to us; a little circle filled in with a “yes” or “no.”
If it fails, we will not be asking again in the Spring. ☺
The 57% increase is way too high
If the levy passes, property taxes of voters will not increase by 57%. Only the small portion that is specifically designated for Des Moines would increase. This means that the total property tax for a Des Moines resident would rise by about 4%.
How can we be sure the money will go to Public Safety?
A special Public Safety Fund will be created for transparency and accountability. The fund will have its own balance sheet of revenue and expenses for each budget cycle, which will be included in budget materials and available to the public.
The creation of this fund is on the Council Agenda for September 26.
Why is there no long-term plan or strategy?
The strategic plan has not formally been written down (yet), however, the cumulative councils of the last two decades have made decisions with a clear economic vision in response to citizen input.
That vision is; to capitalize on our unique waterfront in creating a vibrant, destination community that supports our businesses, economy, and diverse family of citizens.
Our Marina Steps project and investment in a passenger ferry (that someone else will pay for) are major, visible strides in answering that vision.
As for a future Strategic Plan, this was a key desire for our Council in selecting a new City Manager. Not only is she a big fan, she has extensive expertise in constructing strategic plans, so – stay tuned!
How do the Steps and/or a ferry bring revenue?
Terrific question!
While you read, try this little exercise: Google, “Placemaking Economic Development.” Immediately you will see a host of articles from experts in the field of commerce and economic development (corporate and academic) that tout the essential role placemaking has in creating dynamic economies in cities.
In response to these experts and years of council work, moving forward with placemaking is the most prudent financial decision we could make for both our present and future economy.
Are taxpayers paying for the Steps and Ferry?
Yes and no. The Steps are $7.9M, should be completed by Christmas 2025, and will be paid for by taxpayers.
If we secure a Ferry, it will be paid for by someone else and be part of a regional transportation strategy. A regional partnership passenger ferry was first brought forward years ago by Councilmember Susan White, and we are finally able to move forward with this great idea!
We have also been granted enough funding for electric charging at our Marina, which will draw regional boaters to Des Moines. It will also set us up for County, State, and Federal funding for green projects and pilots; including the possibility of an electric ferry in the future (which someone else would pay for).
Why do we need an expensive Ferry Consultant?
Our Consultant contract is $5500 per month, ends next June. and has a 30-day notice for termination.
In a couple months we will be receiving the results an economic impact study based on the data from our pilot in 2022. He secured the funding for this important information. If the study comes back with discouraging results, we can reconsider our current energy toward a ferry (including his contract).
In the meantime, he has brought almost $2 million in funding for green projects at the Marina, and is a dynamic connection to movers and shakers in government and marine commerce throughout our County, State, and even globally.
He is making major strides on our behalf monthly in keeping us moving toward a free ferry route that connects us to Seattle and possibly Vashon Island.
If he is successful, IMO, he will be worth every penny,
We want to see the budget cuts!
Last week the Council was presented with several options for budget cuts and more options are being solicited as I write.
On October 3, the Council will be presented with the comprehensive draft budget packet, complete with requested information. We will have a few weeks for review and consultations with Finance before we bring forward our recommendations for cuts and/or revenue-generating possibilities.
In closing
I hope this information is helpful. As always, I will make it a priority to gather with groups or meet 1:1 to answer questions about our City. Please feel free to write or call with any questions at all.
– Mayor Traci Buxton
206-251-2719
tbuxton@desmoineswa.gov
EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have an opinion you’d like to share with our highly engaged local Readers? If so, please email your Letter to the Editor to scott@southkingmedia.com and, pending review and verification that you’re a real human being, we may publish it. Letter writers must use their full name, as well as provide an address and phone number (NOT for publication but for verification purposes).
