The Des Moines City Council voted to continue its support of controversial legislation that would dismantle Des Moines Water Works Monday night despite a room full of angry citizens who spoke against it.

 

The vote was four against, two in favor and one abstaining on Councilman Skip Moore's motion that the city oppose bills in the Statehouse that would place water utilities and its assets under the control of local city councils. Both bills have passed Iowa House and Senate committees and are eligible for floor debate.

 

The City of Des Moines directed its lobbyists to register in favor of the legislation on Feb. 15, the day the bill was introduced, but claims it took no formal vote at that meeting. Residents complained city leaders were backing the issue without first holding a public discussion and vote.

 

Click Here to read more.