In a process delayed by new legislation passed related to property taxes, the Pella City Council will review their financial status entering the next fiscal year at work sessions this Tuesday and Wednesday.

The annual budget workshops include presentations from all department heads and will include an overview of the city’s finances. At last week’s meeting, the Pella City Council scheduled a public hearing on April 4th to consider a maximum tax rate levy increase, a process required by new Iowa Code and one that doesn’t actually change the rate — but instead allows the council to later raise it if they vote to do so. Based on several factors, the current rate of $10.20 per $1,000 will result in the City of Pella levying $162,000 less than the current fiscal year.

As part of the upcoming budget, the council has included a proposed 7% increase to water rates and an increase in the debt service levy, which is why there will be less for operational funds. A $691,000 subsidy for Pella Community Ambulance, state property tax legislation, funding decreases for prior tax rollbacks, and increased inflation are also putting pressure on the day-to-day operations.

This week’s Pella City Council budget workshops begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in the Pella Public Safety Complex, but will not be available online for audio streaming.