Now that a main funding source has been secured, the Pella City Council is discussing a timeline and potential options for renovations to the Pella Community Center at their meeting Tuesday.

Following approval to extend the Local Option Sales and Service tax, a policy and planning work session will be held to consider the possible scope of work and what could be accomplished in the coming years.

The most recent assessment conducted in December 2020 by engineer Short Elliott Hendrickson identified approximately $5.5 million in needed improvements to extend the life of the facility for another twenty years — which is the maximum contribution expected from the Pella City Council.

Discussion will center on the immediate term–including a future use plan, which could be developed and facilitated by a project engineer. In addition, public input sessions could be included, in order to identify likely city and community uses for the facility. This may also include forming an Ad Hoc committee.

The following proposed timeline will be discussed by council at the meeting:
• October to December 2022 – Engineering selection process
• May 2023 – Facility use plan approved by the City Council
• October 2023 – Financial contributions/donations for the project finalized
• December 2024 – Engineering design phase completed
• March 2024 – City Council approves contractor
• June 2024 to September 2025 – Building renovations

Additionally, the City of Pella anticipates significant financial contributions from the Friends of the Pella Community Center, and potentially others in the community — which would considerably expand potential renovations and uses.

The discussion will be held Tuesday in the Pella Public Safety complex during Tuesday’s regular city council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. and can be watched online here.