The Pella City Council approved benefit costs and the wage scale for employees in the upcoming fiscal year at their meeting Tuesday. The council approved new health and dental premiums — which increased by 10% and 4% respectively, as well as annual changes to salaries, which will increase by nearly five percent. The council also finalized construction contract for the Idaho Drive Electric Distribution Conversion project with Murphy Tower Service for $636,000, and approved special event permits for Independence Day celebrations on July 1st.

The full Pella Independence Day Celebration schedule:
Tour wagons by Pella Historical Museums – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (fees apply)
Swimming at the Pella Aquatic Center – 1 to 5 p.m. ($5 per person)
Food Stands, Inflatables, Water Slide in Central Park – 2 to 6 p.m.
First Responders in Central Park (Pella PD, Pella Ambulance, Pella Fire, and Marion County Sheriff’s Office) – 2 to 5 p.m.
Entertainment on Tulip Toren – 2 to 5 p.m.
– Iowa Veterans Band at 2 p.m.; Triumph Martial Arts at 3:15 p.m.; 34th Iowa National Guard Band “Scrap Metal” at 4 p.m.
Fishing at Caldwell Park – 3 to 5 p.m. (poles and bait provided)
Plume Hill Carriage Rides – 3 to 5 p.m. (fees apply)
Pella Community Art Center Crafts at Central Park – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Parade – 6 to 7:30 p.m. (no parking on parade route after 2 p.m.)
City Band on the Tulip Toren – 8 p.m.
Fireworks at Central College (NEW LOCATION) – 10 p.m.

The new fireworks location will be launched from a private road north of the soccer complex — no college property will be open at that time. The recommended viewing locations for fireworks are West Market or Brinkoff Parks. No parking is allowed on grassy areas.