Leaders Survey: Des Moines and local option sales tax
BUSINESS RECORD STAFF Dec 26, 2018 | 5:04 pm
2 min read time
434 wordsBusiness Record Insider, Government Policy and LawThe Business Record’s 2018 Leaders Survey asked readers their opinions on a number of topics, including whether or not Des Moines should have a local option sales tax. No matter the sentiment, it seems a vote on a local option sales tax is coming. Kent Darr reported last week that Des Moines residents will vote March 5 on whether to approve adding a penny to the state sales tax, with a “yes” vote generating an additional $37 million for a range of city services and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
You can find more Leaders Survey results here. We’re sharing other results and comments in our e-newsletters this month.
Question:
Agree or disagree: Des Moines should have a local option sales tax.
Agree 49%
Disagree 21%
I’m not sure 30%
Readers’ comments
Guest editor Tom Mahoney, CEO and chairman, ITA Group
This is a consumption tax that will be shared by those living and/or visiting the region. It’s a fantastic model that will keep property taxes stable, while providing a revenue stream to invest in infrastructure projects and new venues/amenities. Vote – YES.
Eric Burmeister, executive director, Polk County Housing Trust Fund
I’m not sure. The state/region should have a more equitable way to raise revenue and/or spread regional costs. To the extent that goal is not attainable, the city of Des Moines needs to have sufficient revenue to remain the economic engine of the state. If Des Moines fails, the rest of the state follows.
Jake Christensen, president, Christensen Development
Agree. We need an alternative to real estate taxes to fund municipal government.
Todd Kielkopf, president, Kielkopf Advisory Services
Agree. The level of exempt property can’t sustain the infrastructure and services needed over the long run, which will hamper development.
Hannah Inman, executive director, Great Outdoors Foundation
Agree. To help fix infrastructure, backfill the loss from the corporate tax, and fund projects that help keep communities continue to invest in projects that keep them thriving.
Cathy Besh, assistant director, client services, Principal
Disagree. We are already at 6 percent tax. In order to keep people coming to the city, we should not be thinking about increasing taxes.
Kevin Pokorny, owner and consultant, Pokorny Consulting
I’m not sure. The question is: For what will the tax be used?
Sonny Hall, CEO Absolute Group
Sales tax can be avoided if one needs to. I would rather my grandmother’s sales tax is higher than her property tax. The home she has lived in for 40 years just keeps rising. If the sales tax was increased, then our property taxes should go down within the same law.
You can find more Leaders Survey results here. We’re sharing other results and comments in our e-newsletters this month.
Question:
Agree or disagree: Des Moines should have a local option sales tax.
Agree 49%
Disagree 21%
I’m not sure 30%
Readers’ comments
Guest editor Tom Mahoney, CEO and chairman, ITA Group
This is a consumption tax that will be shared by those living and/or visiting the region. It’s a fantastic model that will keep property taxes stable, while providing a revenue stream to invest in infrastructure projects and new venues/amenities. Vote – YES.
Eric Burmeister, executive director, Polk County Housing Trust Fund
I’m not sure. The state/region should have a more equitable way to raise revenue and/or spread regional costs. To the extent that goal is not attainable, the city of Des Moines needs to have sufficient revenue to remain the economic engine of the state. If Des Moines fails, the rest of the state follows.
Jake Christensen, president, Christensen Development
Agree. We need an alternative to real estate taxes to fund municipal government.
Todd Kielkopf, president, Kielkopf Advisory Services
Agree. The level of exempt property can’t sustain the infrastructure and services needed over the long run, which will hamper development.
Hannah Inman, executive director, Great Outdoors Foundation
Agree. To help fix infrastructure, backfill the loss from the corporate tax, and fund projects that help keep communities continue to invest in projects that keep them thriving.
Cathy Besh, assistant director, client services, Principal
Disagree. We are already at 6 percent tax. In order to keep people coming to the city, we should not be thinking about increasing taxes.
Kevin Pokorny, owner and consultant, Pokorny Consulting
I’m not sure. The question is: For what will the tax be used?
Sonny Hall, CEO Absolute Group
Sales tax can be avoided if one needs to. I would rather my grandmother’s sales tax is higher than her property tax. The home she has lived in for 40 years just keeps rising. If the sales tax was increased, then our property taxes should go down within the same law.
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