FORT DODGE, Iowa — The Fort Dodge City Council was wrestling with the City Budget this week.  In order to make the budget balance, they need to reduce spending by around $400,000.  That means six or so open positions in the city will not be filled.

“With the recent changes in the property tax laws, we’re losing our ability to increase property taxes or to cover cost,” said Fort Dodge City Administrator, David Fierke. “It’s reducing our tax value and limits and our rate, so the combination of those two things make it difficult to balance the budget.”

Fierke said the changes to the budge will not impact city services too much. There may be a few less hours at the city pool, and maybe the Blanden Art Museum. Though nothing is confirmed yet, there could be some slower times to get inspectors out to properties, due to this reduction.

“It’s not easy and it’s hard because you don’t want to impact services,” said Fierke. “We’re going to have to reduce positions and then kind of react and figure out how we can deliver the best service as possible.”

The city has a budget of $120 million. Of that, figure there is over $60 million tied up in operational costs.

Fierke said the new property tax laws will mean cuts again next year. He says there will be a big cut in the year 2029.  Other cities across Iowa will be dealing with this same issue in the coming years.