Oskaloosa City Council to Discuss New Revenue Options, Airport Project and Property Taxes November 2nd
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Oskaloosa City Council will meet Monday, November 2nd, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 220 South Market Street.
Several important topics are on the agenda, including possible new sources of city revenue, the future of the South Central Regional Airport project, proposed speed limit changes, and the impact of Iowa’s property tax laws on the city budget.
Regular Agenda
1. Fiscal Year 2026 Audit Report
The council will consider accepting the city’s annual financial audit and approving payments of $9,450 to Haga Kommer, LTD, and $850 to the State Auditor’s Office.
2. Mahaska Chamber and Development Group Presentation
Representatives from the Mahaska Chamber and Development Group will provide a presentation to the council.
3. Green Iowa AmeriCorps Partnership
The council will consider approving $4,000 for the Friends of Mahaska County Conservation to continue a partnership with Green Iowa AmeriCorps.
4. Liquor License Applications
Council members will review liquor license applications submitted for approval.
5. South Central Regional Airport Project
The council will consider formally ending Oskaloosa’s participation in the proposed South Central Regional Airport project.
City staff report that the project is no longer considered feasible. The proposed action would support discontinuing the project and selling property acquired for the airport to repay federal grants.
The City of Pella is expected to consider a similar resolution on November 3rd. Additional action would be required by the South Central Regional Airport Agency.
6. Proposed Speed Limit Changes
Council members will consider the second reading of an ordinance updating speed regulations along Seventeenth Street.
The proposal would establish a 45 mph speed limit from A Avenue to 500 feet south of Thirty-first Street and a 50 mph limit from that point to 500 feet south of Osburn Avenue.
City staff say the changes are intended to address traffic safety concerns and clarify existing speed regulations.
7. Discussion of New City Revenue Sources
The council will discuss possible ways to generate additional revenue for the city’s general fund.
City officials say changes to Iowa’s property tax laws have contributed to budget shortfalls.
Options presented for discussion include:
Fixed speed cameras and red-light cameras
Parking enforcement during snow emergencies
Building permit and zoning fees
Fees involving vacant buildings and nuisance properties
False alarm responses and police impounds
Liquor license inspections
Street assessments and other city services
These items are being presented for discussion. The agenda does not indicate that any of these options have been approved.
8. Property Tax Changes and City Budget
Susanne Gerlach of PFM Financial Advisors will present information about recent Iowa property tax legislation and how those changes could affect Oskaloosa’s finances.
The presentation will examine budget challenges facing the city as officials consider future spending and revenue options.
Consent Agenda
The council will also consider several routine items that may be approved together unless a council member requests separate discussion.
These include:
Approval of the November 2nd agenda and October 19th meeting minutes.
Acceptance of reports from city boards and commissions.
Payment of city claims for October.
Approval of a $118,633.48 payment to Drish Construction for work on the Burlington Road Reconstruction Project.
Approval of a CORE Neighborhood Improvement Grant for property at 609 North Market Street.
Authorization of an internal advance to the city’s tax increment revenue fund.
City Board and Commission Openings
The city is seeking residents interested in serving on several volunteer boards.
Current openings include one position on the Airport Commission, one on the Board of Adjustment, and two positions on the Historic Preservation Commission, including an alternate position.
Applicants generally must live in Oskaloosa and be at least 18 years old.
Public Comments
Residents will have an opportunity to address the mayor and council during the community comments portion of the meeting.
Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker. Anyone wishing to speak should complete the yellow comment slip available at the podium before the meeting.
Closed Sessions
The council may also enter two closed sessions to discuss employment matters involving union and nonunion city employees, as permitted under Iowa law.
Meeting Information
Date: Monday, November 2nd, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Oskaloosa City Hall, Council Chambers, 220 South Market Street, Oskaloosa
The meeting is open to the public, although the proposed closed sessions would not be open to public attendance.
Residents can review the complete agenda and supporting documents on the city’s website:
https://www.oskaloosaiowa.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11022026-1846?html=true
