COVID-19 Affects Des Moines Budget
I sent some questions to City Councilor Bill Gray, who represents Ward 1 in Des Moines, Iowa. The following questions and answers have been edited and condensed for clarity. Frank Bowers (FB): Did anything unexpected happen this (FY19-20) year, and if so, what? Bill Gray (BG): Shutting down the state impacted us greatly. Just in reduction of LOSST (Local Option Sales and Service Tax) income, Des Moines resulted in a decrease of 18 million in revenue through the end of May. Some taxes and fees have decreased, such as hotel/motel taxes, storm water management and sanitary management, and parking fees. Up until mid-March, we had a good budget- both operational and CIP (Capital Improvement Program)- for FY19-20 and FY 20-21 going forward. FB: What changes are expected between Fiscal Year 19-20 and Fiscal Year 20-21? BG: Our operational budget is going to be fine for the time being. The only furloughed staff are at libraries, which have been closed during the lockdown.