The City of Pella made a request for financial support to the Marion County Board of Supervisors related to the Pella Rec Center project at Tuesday’s meeting in Knoxville.

Pella Mayor Don DeWaard and City Administrator Mike Nardini led a presentation going over financial details, floor plans, private support donated so far, and the overall timeline. The City of Pella is asking for a $10 million urban renewal bond to help pay for infrastructure related to the $50 million total project, as well as an extension of the current Local Option Sales and Service tax redistribution agreement for 20 years.

According to Nardini, Impact DataSource projected $99.6 million in total economic output for the construction of the rec center, and 693 jobs during construction. Ballard King projects the annual economic impact of tournament activities to be approximately $5 million annually.

Among those speaking during the presentation were Pella Corporation CEO Tim Yaggi and Vermeer Director of Operations Mindi Vanden Bosch. Both expressed their support for the project, and highlighted the combined $11 million pledged by the two organizations.

Audio from presentations:

Marion County Board of Supervisors Chair Kisha Jahner expressed concerns about the land acquisition necessary for expansion of University Street east and how the request fits into the overall budget moving forward. Board of Supervisors Member Mark Raymie focused on the financial impact overall on Marion County and the region, and requested a motion for support be considered at the next meeting on June 27th.

Hear the public’s comments from the meeting below, as well as reaction from Jahner and Raymie: