Des Moines is facing a $12 million budget shortfall, and residents have the opportunity to share their opinions on which city departments should see cuts. A survey on the city’s website allows residents to choose from various departments, including the police department, fire department, library, engineering, and parks and recreation department.

Proposed Cuts

The proposed cuts range from smaller changes, such as reducing decorative landscaping in downtown, to larger cuts, including reducing police and firefighters, closing swimming pools, closing libraries, and implementing paid parking in Gray’s Lake Park. Roughly two dozen residents spoke at a recent meeting, sharing concerns and critiques about the proposed changes.

Respondents can only submit their responses if they total $12 million or more. However, they can also add new ideas not included on the survey in the additional comments section. Responses are due July 31, and results will be made public in early August.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.