August 18, 2025 Committee of the Whole

The City of Bettendorf, Iowa held a Committee of the Whole meeting on August 18, 2025, primarily focused on discussions regarding the proposed construction of a new police station. City officials, including the city administrator, assistant city administrator, and police chief, presented the need for a new, purpose-built police facility to replace the outdated building originally constructed in 1959. They reviewed various site options and settled on a city-owned Greenfield site as the most cost-effective and practical location. The project is estimated to cost up to $27 million, with a bond issuance requiring voter approval in a special election scheduled for November 4, 2025. The council discussed the funding mechanisms, emphasizing the necessity of voter approval for this general corporate purpose bond and the constraints on bonding amounts for specific projects. Public engagement efforts, including open houses and informational campaigns, were also outlined to educate residents about the project. Additionally, the meeting briefly addressed a federal aid budget item involving $950,000 for a project with a local match of approximately $425,000, highlighting concerns about future fiscal commitments. The meeting concluded with motions related to consent agenda approval and an executive session for a city attorney performance evaluation.