Urbandale Library, Parks Budget Hearing Tonight

The Urbandale City Council continues its budget hearing this week with a discussion of the city's parks, recreation, cultural and library spending. How the city allocates its hotel and motel taxes also will be discussed.

Residents are encouraged to speak to the council about the budget and spending proposal, which would increase residential property taxes by $26 a year on a $100,000 house and by $10 a year on a $100,000 business. However, the business still will pay twice as much as residential property owners - $962 vs. $488.

The budget proposal from the could mean higher fines and fees or reduced hours at the library.

Last night, the council discussed the city's budgets for police and fire departments, for community development and economic development and for general administration.

Tomorrow night, the council will discuss the debt and capital aspect of the budget as well as recapping the overall changes.

All the budget hearings begin at 5:30 p.m. in the chambers, 3600 86th St.