A second Pella City Council budget workshop will continue a focus on long-term projects for the City of Pella tonight.

Leaders from the Pella Public Library, fire, electric, and community services departments made presentations at the first meeting Monday, focusing on their priorities within their respective budgets. Public Works, Police, City Hall, and Planning and Zoning are all presenting at tonight’s session.

During Monday’s meeting, the council also reviewed project requests presented to them over the past month. City staff recommended moving forward with Phase II of the Pella Sports Park, with the city funding two new ballfields and additional parking, which will cost $430,000, with an additional $430,000 coming from Fields for our Future going towards a multipurpose trail and restroom facilities.

Three other proposals: funding for a dog park, financial support of a historic walkway near Sunken Gardens by Historic Pella Trust, and using a portion of hotel-motel tax funds to Pella Historical Society were all recommended for denial in the upcoming fiscal year. However, council said they all support the historic walkway, and want additional details about that project. City staff says the Pella Sports Park expansion project may open up locations for potential dog parks by the possible closing of fields at either Caldwell Park or Rotary Park. The council and staff are also looking to support Pella Historical Society through other potential projects, including upgrades to the Klokkenspel and proposing cost-sharing for tulip bulbs.

In total, the city expects to see more than a two percent increase in revenue when maintaining the city’s property tax levy, which has been the same for nearly two decades. Overall, the city will budget for approximately $38 million in fiscal year 2019, which includes the city’s utilities and general fund.

The second Pella City Council Budget Workshop will be held at 6 this evening in the Public Safety Complex on Liberty Street.