The fiscal year 2024 budget is up for approval Tuesday at the Pella City Council meeting. A public hearing will be held to consider the $55.7 million dollar plan for the community, which includes maintaining the current property tax rate of $10.20 per $1,000 of valuation. The proposal also includes a seven percent increase for water rates, which would be up for consideration at a later meeting. Also, the city of Pella anticipates a 21.7 percent increase in compensation and benefits which is attributed to the new personnel joining from Pella Community Ambulance, the city taking over operations at Bos Landen Golf Course, a 4.8% cost of living increase, and a 10% increase in health insurance costs, as well as new employees in the electric, telecommunications, and community services departments. The new budget also includes an operational deficit of $641,000 for Pella Community Ambulance and a projected increase of 33.95% for capital improvements, or $6.1 million, budgeted for the Pella Community Center and proposed indoor recreation center. All of these were discussed during public budget meetings in late March. Tuesday’s Pella City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Pella Public Safety Complex, and can be heard online.