We were fortunate to have our fellow Rotarian Gretchen Tegeler speak this week. Tegeler holds an undergraduate degree in political science and master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Iowa. She was Director of the Iowa Department of Management from 1990 – 1998, and also served as Governor Terry Branstad’s Chief of Staff. Before joining the Taxpayers Association, Tegeler was vice president for Iowa at the American Cancer Society. She currently serves on the West Des Moines Water Works Board of Trustees, the state School Budget Review Committee, and the Board of Directors of EMC Insurance Group, Inc.
Rotarian Tegeler began her presentation by acknowledging she regularly relies on Rotary’s Four-Way Test to guide her in her role as president of the Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa (TACI). TACI provides oversight to assure tax dollars are spent wisely and responsibly in Central Iowa. And, this is no small task. Central Iowa is home to no fewer than 127 taxing government entities; including 44 cities, 28 school districts, and 55 other taxing authorities. These government entities collect and spend nearly $4 billion annually, a sum that is equal to one-half of the State of Iowa’s budget. TACI serves the community by ensuring fairness, truth, and beneficial results – this is right in line with the Rotary credo.
Tegeler explained how with so many distinct taxing authorities, the local tax environment could quickly become strained, duplicative, and inefficient. As an independent, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to fostering efficient, effective local government in the greater Des Moines area, TACI applies data-driven, independent perspective to government decision making. She told Rotarians that research, education, advocacy, and community leadership are the primary means by which TACI accomplishes its mission. However, it is TACI’s balanced approach to serving as a watchdog and partner that struck a chord with most in the audience. TACI’s commitment to partnering with government is what makes the organization more problem-solver than disseminator of information.
Tegeler did an excellent job presenting data regarding local government funding and spending to demonstrate how duplicate services and heavy reliance on property taxes sometimes creates precarious situations for local governments. Consider these figures; approximately 38% of state government revenue comes from property taxes, 29% from personal income taxes, and 19% from sales taxes. Most of this revenue, some 53% goes to local governments. Iowa’s reliance on property taxes sets it apart from other states and causes significant problems that impact economic growth in some sectors. Iowa ranks among the highest when it comes to property tax rates.
TACI’s successful partnerships with Broadlawns, DART, and other government functions have helped save tax dollars and focus service offerings. Individual and corporate members fund TACI. You can find out more about the organization and membership opportunities by visiting TACI’s website, https://taxpayersci.org.
This week’s meeting concluded as the sun began shining on the frigid golf course outside. Iowa’s record-breaking low temperatures are supposed to rise a dramatic sixty to seventy degrees this weekend before falling again. Never fear, there will be plenty of warmth at next week’s February Fling - remember, no regular meeting next week. Enjoy the Fling. We will see you back on February 14. It may be too much to hope President Shawn will be wearing a cupid costume. Perhaps he owns a heart print bowtie.