The council raised the monthly stormwater charge 6%, from $19.29 to $20.45 per unit, starting July 1, 2026, by a 6–1 vote.
Passed the ordinance on first vote (moved by Barron, seconded by Simonson), then waived the other two readings and gave it final passage (roll call 26-0473), each 6–1. Nays: Gatto. Passed 6–1; voting no: Joe Gatto.
How each member voted
| Official | Seat | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Connie Boesen | Mayor | Yes |
| Carl Voss | At-large | Yes |
| Mike Simonson | At-large | Yes |
| Rob X. Barron | Ward 1 | Yes |
| Linda Westergaard | Ward 2 | Yes |
| Josh Mandelbaum | Ward 3 | Yes |
| Joe Gatto | Ward 4 | No |
More from the record
Every property in Des Moines except exempt property pays a monthly stormwater charge on the water bill, based on "equivalent residential units" (ERU) of 2,349 square feet of hard surface. The ordinance sets the rate at $20.45 per ERU from July 1, 2026, up from $19.29. The budget communication lists a 6% stormwater enterprise rate increase. By law the money can be used only for stormwater expenses. Ordinance in roll call 26-0472 (saved copy) · Council Communication 26-125 (saved copy)
The alternative
No other options were presented in the record.
Money
- Who
- Property owners and occupants who pay water bills
- How
- $1.16 more per ERU each month ($19.29 to $20.45), billed with water service. A typical home’s ERU count: Not in the record.
- When
- From July 1, 2026
- Source
- Ordinance, roll call 26-0472 (saved copy)
Parks and environment
- Who
- The city stormwater system
- How
- Revenue may be used only for stormwater expenses
- When
- Ongoing
- Source
- Ordinance, roll call 26-0472 (saved copy)
Source Agenda for the whole meeting, item 49 (saved copy) · Full minutes for the whole Apr 6, 2026 meeting, p. 10 (roll call 26-0472 and 26-0473) (saved copy) · Ordinance, roll call 26-0472 (saved copy) · Council Communication 26-125 (saved copy)