While the Pella City Council unanimously denied an amendment to a 28E agreement approved by the Mahaska County Board of Supervisors that would have removed the county from the proposed Regional Airport project, the fight over the county leaving may be far from over.

Following the resolution passing at this week’s council meeting, Mahaska County Supervisor Mark Doland, who introduced the original amendment to leave in January, spoke about his concerns with the project at the council meeting. During his comments, he claimed Mahaska County does not need to be a part of the agreement to build the airport. Financially, the cost of the proposed regional airport would be split between the City of Pella and Oskaloosa if federal funds are secured, with no contribution needed from the county.

However, City Administrator Mike Nardini says they would need regulatory support from Mahaska County to proceed, which is why they were included in the binding document in 2012.

“Once the federal aviation planning studies are completed–if the project does proceed, Mahaska County is responsible for regulatory approvals for the project,” Nardini says. “So when we look at any type of building permitting issues or road closures and issues that may be associated with the projects, those would have to be approved by Mahaska County.”

“From [the City of Pella’s] standpoint, any time of amendment that has the potential to delay the project or cause additional difficulties, there needs to be a discussion as far as financial damages and compensation to the two respective cities.

At the Mahaska County Board of Supervisors meeting this week, they approved a measure on a 2-1 vote to seek outside, independent legal counsel to help guide the direction of the board as they attempt to leave the 28E agreement. Based on the document, Mahaska County could face severe financial penalties if they attempt to disrupt or delay the airport.

The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors’ next meeting is February 20th.