The Pella City Council will receive an update about anticipated renovations to the Pella Community Center during a policy and planning work session at Tuesday’s regular meeting.

Details will include finances for the project, which are currently projected to cost just over $9 million — which includes $683,000 in contingency money. As of the memo issued to the council on Friday, $2.5 million has been raised by the Friends of the Pella Community Center non-profit organization, with $5.5 million coming from the City of Pella, $500,000 will be from a State of Iowa grant, and $25,000 is coming from Marion County. This leaves the project technically at a $481,000 deficit, although that would be due to the contingency required for the project. Bids may also come in lower than the revised engineer’s estimate.

A timeline is also on the docket for discussion. The current proposal would open bids on March 17th with an April 17th deadline, with consideration of the construction contract tentatively scheduled on May 19th, 2026, with work to shortly follow early in the summer.

The base bid involves renovating the current facility and includes plumbing, HVAC, and electrical upgrades; upgrading the fire sprinkler system; exterior window replacements; roofing; extensive restroom upgrades; and kitchen equipment/upgrades. The base project also includes an upgraded elevator which will provide access to all levels of the Community Center. Alternates for the project include a stairwell addition and conversion of the eastern stairwell in the Community Center to usable office space.

Tuesday’s Pella City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Pella Public Safety Complex.