The Des Moines City Council voted unanimously Feb. 23 to place a proposed property tax levy lid lift on the May 16 special election ballot.

This is the third time in three years that a proposed levy lid lift will be submitted to Des Moines voters.

If approved by voters, the measure would raise the city’s property tax levy above the statutory limit by 4 percent a year for six years.

The additional revenue would provide the police department with funds to restore 10 positions that were eliminated following statewide approval of Initiative 695's repeal of car-tab fees in 1999.

A general levy lid lift request was rejected in 2004, as was a measure to provide additional funding just for the police department last year.

That proposal included the establishment of a police sub-station, with lag time in the hiring of additional officers.

The new plan excludes the sub-station, and hires officers in a shorter time frame.

It “solely focuses on restorations to the police department,” police Chief Roger Baker told the lawmakers.

It will attract good candidates to the department, said Baker. “It’s very attractive for the city of Des Moines.”

The additional staffing would include one sergeant and four officers who would be assigned to Cover Watch/Street Crimes Unit, which patrols gang activity, vice and prostitution, drug investigations and sting operations; one sergeant assigned to administrative functions to keep information flowing to teams in the field; three community service officers; and one record specialist who does record checks and validates warrants.

Because of budget shortfalls in the wake of I-695, the police department had to cut seven patrol officers, four community service officers, one record specialist and a half-time animal control officer.

“The crime rate has been escalating since 1999,” said Baker.

Department records show that crime in Des Moines was up 20 percent in 2004 and 10 percent in 2005, and calls for service continued to go up in 2005 about 1 percent.

“Our officers and staff are doing the best they can,” said Baker.

Councilman Scott Thomasson voiced concerned about the new levy proposal in light of voter rejection of a lid lift in last November’s election.

“We haven’t figured out why it failed,” Thomasson said. “Using the exact proposal, I would wonder if [the new measure] would fail.”

The six-year time frame “could cause a crisis in other (city) programs,” he added.

But other council members were quick to offer support for putting the levy lid lift before voters.

“Step up, put it on the ballot, and give the voters a shot,” said Councilman Dave Kaplan.

The levy, if passed, would cost the average homeowner $10-$15 a month in property taxes, said Councilwoman Carmen Scott.

If not passed and the crime rate continues to go up, “your house values will do down because of the crime, and you’re trying to save some money a month,” said Scott.

“It’s vital the people understand that and vote to take responsibility of the police force in their community,” Scott said.

“The community is really getting behind this and that’s going to make the biggest difference,” said Councilwoman Susan White.

“Let us have a chance to do this, we’re more organized now and we have professional help,” Florence McMullin, co-chair of the levy lid lift committee, urged lawmakers. "There are people that are ready to go.”

In other business, the council voted unanimously to support the Highline School District’s bond proposal on the March 14 special election ballot.

The bond would provide the Highline School District with $148 million for construction and modernization of school facilities and other district upgrades.

This includes funding to replace Midway and Parkside elementary schools in Des Moines.

“Good schools generate good residences and tenants,” said Councilman Ed Pina, a former Highline School Board member.

Scott was concerned with timing of the bond and how it would affect the levy lid lift.

But, said Kaplan, “Schools are an investment to our community. I’m not happy with the timing either. It would have been better last year, but it needs to be supported.”

The Council also voted for a local Farmers Market, which will start June 17.

The market is to run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the south parking lot of the Des Moines Marina.

Farming and The Environment, a Washington non-profit corporation, will manage the Farmers Market.

“We’re trying to connect farmers to the community,” said Jeff Voltz, executive director of Farming and The Environment.

The Marina will provide electricity and receptacles, but that will be the only thing provided by the city. Vendors must supply tables and tents.