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Residents press Pella council on spending, audit findings and delays to Union Street project
Summary
During public forum residents urged council to scrutinize expenditures after audit findings and raised safety and access concerns about a long‑running Union Street sewer and road project; one speaker urged halting annexation plans tied to a proposed regional airport.
Several Pella residents used the public comment period to press the City Council on fiscal stewardship, audit findings and delayed public works projects.
One commenter summarized the city’s fiscal slides and the FY23 audit reporting three findings: expenditures in excess of budgeted amounts, a deficit fund balance, and interfund transfers without council approval. The speaker expressed alarm about cumulative deficits approaching $1.5 million as presented in council materials and questioned large consultant/architect fees reported for a recreation center project.
Another resident urged council to accelerate a Union Street sewer and water replacement project that began Aug. 12 and reported crews had not completed work after many weeks, leaving exposed gas lines, six‑foot holes and restricted vehicular access for elderly neighbors. Public works staff responded that water services had passed pressure and chlorine tests and that subgrade/rock placement remained before paving; staff pledged to press the contractor and continue efforts to finish prior to winter, while acknowledging a possible extension into spring if conditions require.
A separate public comment reiterated concern that a proposed airport annexation could shift costs to local taxpayers and allow use of eminent domain; council did not take immediate action on that topic in this meeting.
