The language of the referendum is already spelled out by Iowa State Law.

I guess I'm a little confused then. If the referendum is at this point
unchangeable, that implies to me that there's nothing the City Council
could
do anything about keeping it from the vote. Conversely, if the referendum
can still be withdrawn, it seems to me it could also be modified (by
withdrawing it and reintroducing it with new language).

Apparently in Iowa, the laws about airport commissions are codified and
ready for action at all times. (You know those lawyers!)

Thus, they seem to have a "rules for airport commissions" that spells out
precisely how a city can get rid of its airport commission. And in that
"rule book" is the precise language that must be used when the decision goes
to a referendum.

So, in the end, our City Council can decide to hold a referendum on the
airport commission -- or not -- but they are not allowed to tinker with the
language of the referendum's question. That is pre-determined.

I wouldn't have believed it if the city attorney hadn't spoken it herself.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"