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Greater Des Moines Partnership Endorses Yes for Des Moines

March 3, 2014

Today, the Greater Des Moines Partnership joined a broad coalition of elected officials and other organizations in supporting Yes for Des Moines, the March 4, 2014, ballot measure to temporarily increase the franchise fee.

“A temporary increase in the franchise fee is a much more equitable option than a property tax increase, in that it will spread the payments out amongst a greater number of people, businesses and non-profits, and is more closely aligned with those entities that will receive the court-ordered refund,” said Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “This option also will allow for the bonds, which have already been issued to satisfy the judgment, to be paid off much quicker, thus saving the taxpayers significant interest expense, and an increase in the property tax rate would make the City less competitive from a business standpoint,” said Byers.

If voters reject the measure on March 4, city leaders have announced they will be forced to raise property taxes to pay the judgment ordered by the 2009 Iowa Supreme Court ruling.

“From a taxpayer standpoint, there’s no question the franchise fee is a better option than a property tax increase,” said Gretchen Tegeler, Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa.

In addition to the Partnership, elected officials and organizations endorsing a temporary franchise fee increase include:

  • Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie
  • Christine Hensley, Des Moines City Council Member
  • Chris Coleman, Des Moines City Council Member
  • Bob Mahaffey, Des Moines City Council Member
  • Bill Gray, Des Moines City Council Member
  • Skip Moore, Des Moines City Council Member
  • Carl Voss, Des Moines City Council Member
  • South Central Iowa Federation of Labor
  • Tax Payers Association of Central Iowa
  • A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy (AMOS)
  • Chautauqua Park Neighborhood Association
  • Linden Heights, Neighborhood Association
  • Sherman Hill, Neighborhood Association
  • Somerset Neighborhood Association
  • Southwestern Hills, Neighborhood Association
  • Watrous South, Neighborhood Association
  • Westwood Neighborhood Association

Yes for Des Moines is a political organization that encourages Des Moines voters to support a temporary increase in the franchise fee to pay back the $40 million judgment ordered by the Iowa Supreme Court in a 2009 ruling. Voters will have the option of approving a temporary increase in the franchise fee on utility bills from 5 to 7.5 percent for 7 years.

More information about Yes for Des Moines is available online at yesfordesmoines.com.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 320 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.