Big city mayors want change in Iowa tax system

The mayors of Iowa’s two largest cities are asking state legislators to launch a review of Iowa’s tax system — with a goal of reducing the reliance on property taxes. Des Moines Mayor Preston Daniels and Cedar Rapids Mayor-elect Paul Pate say property tax rates in urban areas stymie growth.Pate, who takes over as mayor in January, says it’s time for the Governor and legislators to “roll up their sleeves” and tackle the issue.Des Moines Mayor Preston Daniels says Iowa’s property tax system is skewed to give the owners of farmland a break, at the expense of urban residents.Daniels says property taxes “punish” homeowners.Pate and Daniels made their comments during taping of Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press” program, which airs tonight at 6:30.