Project Destiny Metropolitan Advisory Council May 9, 2006

Focus Group & Polling Results

Right Or Wrong Direction

Managing Taxpayer Dollars

City Services You Receive

Four Proposals

Next year the voters in Central Iowa –Polk, Dallas and Warren County— will vote to raise the sales tax by one cent to pay for property tax relief and arts and recreation funding for the area. One - Generic

Proposal

Two – Four Proposals would raise the sales tax by one cent, generating over $70 million annually. 65%, or over $40 million, would go directly to every municipality in Polk, Warren, and Dallas Counties. (XXXXXXXXXX) The remaining 35% of the funds raised would go to improve regional bike and walking trails and fund cultural events and organizations in Central Iowa, as well as regional facilities like the Zoo and Living History Farms.

Each city would be free to use the money for their specific needs— be it property tax relief, parks, recreation, public safety, or building programs. Two-Let Cities Decide

Proposals

Three – Seniors Relief 65%, or over $40 million, would be earmarked and mandated specifically for property tax relief for senior homeowners over the age of 65, freezing their rates from any future increase, as well as giving them a yearly rebate.

Proposals

Four – Guaranteed Reduction 65%, or over $40 million, would be strictly mandated to be used for property tax relief – meaning every city in Polk, Dallas, and Warren Counties would be required to use the money to lower property tax rates.

Proposals

Property Tax Reduction / Relief As You Please Rate Reduction 48%56% Public

Arguments For Destiny

Arguments Against Destiny

Conclusions ► Electorate Is “Untrusting” Of Officials with How To Spend Additional Revenue.  They want guarantees ► Skeptical of Property Tax Relief. ► Mandated Property Tax Relief Is Demanded.

Keys To Being Successful 1.Tax Reduction/Relief is Crucial. 2.Regional Cooperation is Essential. 3.Individual Community Plans. 4.Individual Community Campaigns. 5.Active Involvement of Local Officials.

Warren County

Ackworth Alleman Bouton Cumming Dawson Dexter Elkhart Hartford Lacona Linden Martensdale Perry Redfield Runnells Sandyville Sheldahl Spring Hill St. Marys Woodward Bevington

POLK WARREN DALLAS

PROJECT DESTINY

Dallas Warren Polk

ITS UP TO YOU

THANK YOU !

Regional Three County One Cent Local Option Sales Tax 2007 Estimated Annual Revenue: $79,791,055 Local Direct Property Tax R eduction 33% ($26,331,048) distributed to local governments in Dallas, Polk & Warren Counties for mandated direct dollar for dollar property tax reduction Additional Local Property Tax R elief 33% ($26,331,048) distributed to local governments in Dallas, Polk & Warren Counties for additional direct property tax reduction, debt reduction, essential services, and/or capital improvements as set forth in community plans on file Metro Advisory Council R egional Authority (Dallas, Polk & Warren Counties) 34% ($27,128,958) Recreational Trails 25% ($6,843,518) grants available for construction & maintenance Quality of Life Regional Facilities 30% ($8,212,222) grants available for capital improvements, operation & maintenance Organizations Promoting Art, Music, Theatre, Dance, Zoology, Science or History 25% ($6,843,518) program grants (non capital) Regional/Non-Profit Equalization 20% ($5,474,814) distributed to local governments for additional property tax relief

15 Member Board Regional Authority Would serve two year terms Dallas 28E Signers Warren 28E Signers Polk 28E Signers Must be elected officials & reside in area that approved 7 by IA.. Senate Districts (Mayors) 1 at large (Supervisors) 1 at large (Mayors & Supervisor Chair) 1 by IA.. Senate District (Mayors) 1 at large (Supervisors) 1 at large (Mayors & Supervisor Chair) 1 by IA.. Senate District (Mayors) 1 at large (Supervisors) 1 at large (Mayors & Supervisor Chair) 2/3 Vote Requirement 2/3 Vote Requirement