Budget cuts hit police and fire departments as candidates clash over public safety
By Natalia Gomez del Campo
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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Des Moines City Council passed sweeping budget cuts on Monday. Most city programs are affected, including law enforcement.
KCCI spoke with Peter Zemansky with the City of Des Moines. He said that out of the $11.5 million in cuts to most city programs, police face $566,000 in cuts, and fire departments $260,000.
Both departments also face staff reductions, which are intended to lead to $260,000 in savings for the fire department and $566,000 for the fire department.
In yesterday’s city council meeting, city leaders say some cuts to city programs were necessary after the legislature’s changes to property taxes. These changes put a 2% limit to annual revenue growth for Iowa’s local governments.
This morning, law enforcement officials stood by gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand to support his handling of public safety. KCCI asked Sand about support for law enforcement across the state that could be facing shrinking resources.
“As much as people have confidence in what’s going to happen, the truth is that we are only months into a brand new property tax regime in the state of Iowa, and we need to have some experience with it before we start making changes about what the issues are,” said Sand. “That said, top priority has got to be public safety: firefighters, first responders, police officers, sheriff’s department.”
KCCI reached out to the Lahn campaign for comment on his support for law enforcement facing shrinking resources.
Zach Lahn’s campaign for Iowa governor rejects the notion that Iowans must choose between safe communities and affordable property taxes.
“Zach Lahn rejects the idea that Iowans must choose between safe communities and affordable property taxes,” his communications director said.
He added that Lahn would prioritize public safety, protect taxpayers, and focus on growing Iowa.
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