This week’s Pella City Council meeting was discussion focused. Three policy and planning items were scheduled after an hour long closed session, including an extensive update on Pella Ambulance one year after it became a city-run entity, a U.S. Cellular request to place wireless support structures near a municipal park and residential lots, and an annual review of the personnel policy manual. During regular business, the council approved final improvements made to the Prairie Ridge West Sanitary Sewer Project.

As for the ambulance, the Pella City Council anticipates discussing the outcome of a meeting in which surrounding townships discussed an offer from the City of Pella for ambulance coverage outside of the city limits. Data was also shown about ambulance transfers and changing policies or potential financial agreements with Pella Regional Health Center to support those costs.

Additional discussion was also held about a potential EMS levy currently being researched by the Marion County Board of Supervisors. If a referendum were to be held in the near future, the board would have to declare emergency medical services essential (they are not considered so under current Iowa code), and then consider funding mechanisms related to paying for local ambulance service — whether that’s a local option income surtax or a $.75 per $1,000 levy on all taxable property in the county (including the cities). Any referendum would require 60% of voter support.

Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for more about the latest issues with emergency response in Pella.