The Marion County Board of Supervisors continued extensive discussion relating to a proposal from the City of Pella to partner financially on a potential indoor recreation facility at their regular session Tuesday.
No action was scheduled on the agenda, although Board of Supervisors Member Mark Raymie challenged that at the beginning of the meeting, saying he requested a vote two weeks ago. Board Chair Kisha Jahner says she submitted the agenda item without action late last week.
Following a presentation given by the City of Pella on June 13th, this discussion focused more on the opinions and response from the Board of Supervisors themselves, and their hesitation around certain aspects of the project, from the potential tax burden, a request the magnitude of Pella’s from both the general obligation bond to the extension of the Local Option Sales Tax agreement, to challenges of land acquisition.
Raymie expressed his desire to see the county be a strong financial partner in the effort, especially considering the amount of revenue the City of Pella generates for the county both through property taxes and the sales tax. He said it’s critical to support the needs of large employers, such as Vermeer and Pella Corporation, both of whom had leadership present to the board two weeks ago. Raymie is concerned that the county is sending a message that they are not supportive of the efforts of both corporations and other businesses that see the indoor recreation facility as a way to attract and retain talent.
Jahner continued to share concerns first discussed at the June 13th meeting. She remains uncertain about changes to the Iowa Legislature and how that will impact county revenues and resources, and that land ownership remains a roadblock for the extension on University Street. She also questioned the need for $10 million when the estimates for University Street were closer to $7.5 million, and argued the extension of the current Local Option Sales and Service Tax agreement would provide nearly $8 million to Pella already — a partnership that is not seen in other counties.
Pella Mayor Don DeWaard and City Administrator Mike Nardini both attempted to address those issues at the session. Ultimately, Jahner and McCombs both said they don’t intend to vote yes or no on the request from the city, saying it should instead be put to a county-wide election. According to Marion County Auditor Jake Grandia, he’s uncertain as of yesterday if that request could be fulfilled due to Iowa Code. Raymie is opposed to an election and instead believes the board should vote themselves.
KNIA/KRLS requested more details from Grandia’s office about a potential election, and if a rec center funding vote is one that can be asked of voters directly as opposed to a vote by the Board of Supervisors themselves.
Grandia says in order to place a public measure on the ballot must be clearly defined and fit Iowa Code first, before any questions of eligibility, calendar, notice, and win percentage can be determined. Grandia explains that general obligation bonding measures have different requirements depending on what the ultimate question to voters is. Additionally, additional details have not been fully released following property tax legislation and changes to bond elections that passed in the 2023 legislative session. More information about those types of votes is expected to become further clarified in July.
KNIA/KRLS requested further comment from Jahner about potential next actions from the county, including when the Pella Rec Center election could happen or if there will be further discussion about the project at upcoming meetings, or if the board itself will eventually vote on the matter directly; Jahner referred to her comments made during the meeting and provided no further clarification.
Watch the full meeting below: