Iowa House bill would funnel all traffic camera revenue to road work

“Run a red light, fix a pothole” could be a slogan for Cedar Rapids if a bill approved by a state legislative panel becomes law.

The Iowa House Local Government Committee approved House File 105 that would require all revenue from automated traffic enforcement (ATE) devices – after paying the vendor – to be used for road and street construction and maintenance.

Originally, the bill sponsored by Rep. Nick Wagner, R-Marion, called for the revenue to be used for property tax relief.

Cedar Rapids uses the revenue to help fund the Police Department, which city officials say is a form of property tax relief.

However, Wagner amended his bill in committee to require the funds to be put into the city's general fund and used to pay for streets and roads.

“This ties the hands of the cities,” said Rep. John Wittneben, D-Estherville. “It will require a lot of extra accounting, but they'll spend it where they want. I've been on a city council and know how the numbers games are played.

“We're not accomplishing anything,” he said.

Although the bill was approved, some of those who voted for it were skeptical.

“I'm a former mayor, so I somewhat appreciate what you are saying,” Rep. Dave Tjepkes, R-Gowrie, told Wittneben.

The bill is now eligible for full House action. It must be approved by the House and a Senate committee to survive the next funnel deadline April 1.