Fiscal Year 2018 Budget

Section 1 - State Forms and Final Submission Memo
Click here (PDF) to view the state forms and memo detailing the budget for FY 2018

Section 2 - Detailed Budget Worksheet
Click here (PDF) to view the detail for the fiscal year 2018 budget. detail

Section 3 - Decision Packages & CEP
Click here (PDF) to view the decision packages from each department and the Capital Equipment Program budget details. 

Section 4 - 2017-2018 through 2020-2021 Complete CIP
Click here (PDF) to view the Capital Improvement Projects 

Section 5 - Public Hearing
The budget summary of receipts and expenditures can be viewed in this budget (PDF).
The 2017-2018 Johnston city budget keeps the city tax rate among the lowest in Greater Des Moines.  The tax levy for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018 is $11.39/$1,000 taxable valuation, which is lower than the current property tax rate of $11.40/$1,000 taxable valuation. The 2017-2018 budget includes funding to increase fire department staff by two full-time positions, add one full-time police officer, one full-time water/wastewater maintenance worker, increase a half-time teen librarian position to full time, make improvements to Simpson Barn and add one full-time maintenance worker to the Parks and Recreation Department.

The additional public safety positions are necessary to keep up with Johnston's growing population and to maintain fire and safety protection that matches national standards. The new police officer will focus on community outreach. The teen librarian position was increased to full time after city leaders identified a strong need to continue engaging with Johnston teenagers and offer increased educational opportunities.

This year the Johnston community will see significant improvements including the final phase of construction at Terra Park, the expansion of the NW Beaver Drive trail, asphalt overlay to NW Beaver Drive, east side infrastructure upgrades, and new features added to Crosshaven Park. Continued improvements will be made to NW 70th Avenue in 2018.

In the past ten years, Johnston's population has increased 51 percent. In that time, the city has increased the number of trail miles we maintain from 25 to 34, and increased the number of street miles we maintain from 76 to 106. Library circulation has increased 51 percent. We continue to offer excellent city services, responsive government, safe neighborhoods and high quality parks and trails all while experiencing rapid growth. We have done all of this while successfully maintaining one of the lowest city tax rates in Greater Des Moines.

Beginning July 1, 2017, for every $200,000 of assessed value on a Johnston home, the city portion of property taxes will increase $28.64/year, assuming the taxable valuation remains the same.

Currently, city operations (everything from police officers to street improvements) account for 27% of the property taxes Johnston residents pay.  Schools account for 44%, the county receives 18% and hospitals account for seven percent. A combination of Ag extension, assessor, regional transit, the state and DMACC make up the rest. Johnston property taxpayers are also affected by the state-imposed property tax rollback, which will increase your property tax bill this year.

Depending upon what other metro cities decide for their tax rates, Johnston is poised to maintain one of the lowest city tax rate in Greater Des Moines. 

The City's general fund maintains a 26% reserve. This reserve is necessary to fund the operations of the City for the first three months of the fiscal year (July - September) as property tax revenues are not received until October.

Click here to see what's been approved for the 2017-2018 city budget.

Stormwater Utility Fee:

In January 2014, the Johnston City Council voted to approve an increase in the city's Stormwater Utility rate. It is the first increase since the beginning of the Utility. The Stormwater Utility ordinance requires that the city review the financial health of the Utility every year. This ensures that all high priority stormwater projects are being addressed in a timely manner and will determine if any adjustments in the rate are needed. 

The average Johnston homeowner saw an increase of $6-24 per year because of this fee. The average Johnston business will see an increase of up to $240 per year. This increase took effect on July 1, 2014.

Today you can see your Stormwater Utility Fee at work. Ten projects are underway that will help the city absorb as much rainfall on the land as possible, significantly reduce erosion and flash flooding, and improve the quality of water in our community. Click here to see your tax dollars at work.