contributed photo Attendees of the 2025 Local Leaders Day at the State Capitol.

This week, several council members and I attended Local Leaders Day at the Iowa State Capitol. This is an event organized by the Iowa League of Cities to facilitate connections between city leaders and their legislators. We had the pleasure of meeting with our state legislators, Sen. Kara Warme (R-Ames) and Rep. David Blom (R-Marshalltown), to discuss proposed legislation that impacts local governments. They listened to our ideas and concerns and spent quite a bit of time with us, which we all greatly appreciated. I’m hopeful that our comments will help shape the legislation that is under consideration.

The Iowa Legislature identified property taxes as a key issue to be addressed this legislative session. Property taxes are a vital source of funding for essential city services in our community. These taxes ensure that residents benefit from reliable infrastructure, public safety, recreational amenities, and other critical municipal functions. The services funded through property taxes impact every resident and visitor in many ways. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep, city services support a safe, clean, and well-functioning community. Property taxes fund police services, supporting safe neighborhoods and ensuring calls for service are timely. Fire and emergency services, funded with property tax revenue, respond to fires, natural disasters, and medical emergencies. Parks, green spaces, and trails are maintained with property tax revenue, providing recreational opportunities for residents and supporting economic activity within the community. Amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas are maintained and improved through property taxes. Property tax revenue supports library services, educational programs, and access to digital resources. Property tax dollars also support land use planning, zoning administration and urban development projects that ensure sustainable growth and contribute to housing rehabilitation efforts and public health services that ensure safe living conditions. Property maintenance and safety standards are enforced to protect property values and community well-being.

I am a homeowner in Marshalltown and want reasonable property tax rates, but I also want the benefit of local government services. My current annual tax bill is $3318, of which 40.65% ($1,348) of that bill goes to the City to fund city services. For about $3.70 a day (the average price of a cup of coffee is $3.08), I am afforded a multitude of services that keep me safe, provide me with recreation opportunities, keep my neighborhood clean and a nice place to live, and generally support my well-being. I am hopeful the legislature sees the value of city services and can find some opportunities to strike a balance between providing reasonable property tax rates and supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities.

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Carol Webb is the Marshalltown city administrator.