The third time around was a charm as Des Moines voters approved a property tax levy lid lift on May 16 to restore police staffing to 1999 levels.

By a margin of 57 percent to 43 percent, the Des Moines community agreed to raise their property taxes by 44 cents, from $1.16 to $1.60 per $1,000 of assessed value, to restore revenue for police services that had been lost due to a series of budget cuts in recent years.

"I believe we were successful in bringing the community together on this issue," said Des Moines Police Chief Roger Baker.

Two previous attempts to lift the levy lid were voted down. But the Des Moines City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 23 to try again.

This time the ballot measure dedicated revenue generated by the levy lid lift to police services. It cannot be used for any other purpose.

"The council took a big risk and placed it on the ballot," said Baker.

"The fact that the council did this unanimously was the first step," said Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler.

To get the message out, the Enhanced Public Safety Committee -- formed during the Des Moines Mayor's Leadership Summit last year -- formed Citizens for a Safer Des Moines.

The group held public presentations, put out signs and door belled.

"A tremendous amount of time was spent by the police chief and other members of the community at public meetings and around the city," said Sheckler.

"Most of the people in our community are wonderful," said Florence McMullin, a member of Citizens for a Safer Des Moines.

McMullin spent hours door belling almost "every neighborhood" in Des Moines, going to houses between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., the times people were getting home from work.

"I saw parts of Des Moines that I've never seen," McMullin said.

She was amazed at the positive reception received from door belling.

"One man shouted, but that was on the last day," she said.

"No organized opposition to the levy lid lift played into the success," said Sheckler.

The campaign brought together groups and members of the community, Baker said.

After a presentation to the 33rd District Republicans, they gave their support as well, and a sign was posted in the window and on the front lawn of district headquarters on Marine View Drive.

"It's my belief that law enforcement agencies can act as a catalyst for positive change in the community," said Baker.