The City of Pella has identified priorities in various departments as part of strategic work sessions held earlier this week.

Among the keys through December 2023 were:

– Police: funding for internal facility renovations, ongoing accreditation process
– Library: spaces both in the building and online
– Public Works/Streets: reconstruct 3,700 to 7,400 linear feet annually, central business district traffic lights
– Public Works/Water: replacing undersized/old existing pipes, which accounts for 17% of the current system and could cost $4.1 to $8.5 million over several years
– Public Works/Wastewater: meeting Iowa DNR nutrient requirements, DNR mandates for storm water flow for both city and private lines
– Community Services: full-time staff person needed for growth in amenities, full-time staff member at golf course, renovations at Pella Memorial Building, Pella Aquatic Center, and Pella Soccer Complex
– Planning and Zoning: Idaho Drive annexation, adopting the current version of the Uniform Building Code, updating the – – Building Department and Planning Department fees/forms, and overhaul of several City Code sections
– Electric Department: advanced metering infrastructure, time of use metering in 2023
– Pella Fiber: installation of approximately 2,000 additional customers

Assistant City Administrator Corey Goodenow says those priorities and more will be highlighted at budget workshops on February 7th and 8th at 5:30 p.m. The next Pella City Council meeting will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Pella Public Safety Complex, which can also be viewed online: https://join.me/CityofPella