Council delays final vote on Imagine More TIF ordinance after extended public comment

The Pella City Council voted to delay final action on Ordinance 1090, the TIF ordinance tied to the "Imagine More" urban renewal plan, to the council's November 1 meeting after extended public comment and council discussion. Council members debated whether to "table" or "delay" the ordinance and chose a delay to place the item on the November agenda for further public review and staff follow-up.

City staff described the ordinance as a procedural mechanism that would establish a boundary and allow the county auditor to segregate future incremental property tax revenue for economic development or public infrastructure; it does not by itself obligate the city to award incentives or spend public funds. Staff also summarized the urban renewal plan approved July 7 and said an independent consultant found blight elements in roughly 40% of surveyed campus buildings, meeting state thresholds for a blight designation. "The ordinance itself does not obligate the city to do anything," staff told the council.

Residents urged caution during a lengthy public forum, with several speakers asking for more specifics from Central College and clearer transparency about TIF uses. "This is only a concept, not a plan," said Kathy Dow, who urged the council to table or delay action until Central presents more detailed proposals. Anna Rupert, who reviewed housing and financial studies, said the proposal appears to be primarily a financial strategy for the college rather than an infrastructure plan and asked the council to reject the ordinance as presented. Council members discussed timing and process, and the motion to delay was approved on roll call.