At a public hearing and first reading, the Des Moines City Council discussed the proposed 2026 property tax levy and voted unanimously to forward two draft ordinances to a second reading.

Finance Director Jeff Friend explained that the proposed levy amount for 2026 is $5,920,297, which includes an allowable 1% increase (roughly $57,875) and amounts associated with new construction and refund adjustments. Friend said assessed valuation in the city increased about 4.4% year-over-year and that the proposed rate would be roughly $86.18 per $1,000 of assessed value (expressed in the presentation as the city’s rate component), a small increase in the rate relative to the previous year. Staff estimated the levy increase would amount to about $12.80 per parcel on average for the city’s approximately 10,344 parcels.

Friend also described the mechanics of Washington property tax law, including the 1% “lid” and separate additions for new construction and refunds. The presentation included a 10‑year historical chart showing that the city’s rate has declined over time as assessed values have increased. The council heard no public speakers during the hearing.

Councilmember Mahoney moved to forward draft ordinance 25-101 to a second reading; Councilmember Nutting seconded. The motion passed 7-0. Councilmember Mone (recorded in minutes as moving the second ordinance) moved to forward draft ordinance 25-102, authorizing the levy increase, and that motion also passed unanimously 7-0.

Ending: Draft ordinances 25-101 and 25-102 will return to the council for a second reading and potential adoption at a future meeting; staff will provide final levy calculations for adoption timelines required by King County.