River Rises But Budgets Strain | Des Moines News

When the South Skunk River surged past nineteen feet, Colfax dodged a major disaster thanks to a swift, tireless response from its public works crew—working 12-hour shifts, pumping water downstream before the rain even stopped. But while the river receded and most residents stayed dry, the city’s financial crisis looms large: a $40,000 shortfall this year, ballooning to $100,000 over the next three, thanks to new property tax limits. With a hiring freeze in place and no clear plan to replace retiring staff, officials fear they’re ill-equipped to handle future emergencies—or even maintain basic infrastructure. As more rain threatens, the community braces: the river’s under control for now, but the budget’s not. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/79b1fee639c7347a