City Of Marion: IN FOCUS: 3.4.22 A Weekly Update From City Manager Ryan Waller

Press release from the City of Marion:

03/04/2022 2:50 PM

FEMA Public Assistance Grant
Late last week we received word that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $2.83 million in public assistance funding to the City of Marion for debris removal associated with the August 2020 derecho. This is the federal share of a $3.78 million total project. The federal government provides 75%, the state provides 10% and the city is responsible for 15%. The funds will be processed through the state on a reimbursement basis. In total, Marion expended over $30 million on cleanup efforts associated with the derecho. Thus far, Marion has been awarded funding for six projects with over $8 million in federal funding obligated. Four additional projects totaling over $9 million are still going through the public assistance grant process. The City has currently borrowed $3 million on its disaster loan line of credit of $20 million authorized.

Remembering Ron Holecek
The City extends its condolences to the family and friends of Ron Holecek, a longtime member of the Marion Police Department who recently lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Ron was a graduate of Marion High School and went on to attend Kirkwood Community College. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970 and was a police officer for the Marion Police Department for 30 years. A visitation will be held today from 4-7 p.m. at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, at the funeral home. 

Firefighters take Oath of Office
Firefighters Ryan Pfiffner and Evan Barry completed their first year as Marion firefighters during the pandemic. They joined the department in 2019 and completed their probationary year in the summer of 2020. Due to changes in the format of City Council meetings at that time, we were not able to appropriately celebrate with them at the end of their probationary year. Mayor AbouAssaly administered the oath of office and they received their new badges during last night’s City Council meeting. Thank you for your service, Ryan and Evan - and congratulations! 

Budget Public Hearing Notice
The second public hearing on the proposed budget will occur on Thursday, March 17 at 5:30 p.m. during the regularly scheduled meeting of the Marion City Council. Notice was published in today’s Gazette. The Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget was a challenging one. Although Marion saw a healthy increase in gross valuation, much of the growth is offset by legislation at the State level. Changes in residential and multi-residential rollback and the phase-out of commercial backfill have diminished Marion’s property tax revenue growth by approximately $1.1 million. The City is experiencing an increase in operating costs with the opening of Fire Station No. 1 and the new library building, as well as accounting for the airport. The state of the economy creates further challenges, causing increased costs due to inflation and a competitive labor market. As expenditures outpace revenues, the budget includes no new positions – with a focus on retaining existing employees to ensure high-quality service delivery is maintained for our community. It includes bargained for wage increases as well as a 3.5% wage increase for non-bargaining employees to ensure our organization can remain competitive in the current labor market. The budget also includes some non-recurring investments that align with Strategic Plan initiatives. Marion continues on its trajectory to be the best place in Iowa to raise a family and grow a business.

Mask Requirements Lifted for City Facilities
Based on recent updates to the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidelines regarding mask usage, effective March 1, masks are no longer required in City facilities. Anyone with symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. Complimentary masks will continue to be available at City facilities.

City Requesting Qualifications for Housing Needs Assessment and Market Analysis
The Community Development Department is requesting qualifications and experience from consultants for the preparation of a comprehensive housing study and needs analysis. The study will help decision-makers, stakeholders and community members develop a meaningful sense of the housing market as well as an understanding of key housing issues in Marion. The report is intended to offer a solid, data-driven basis for formulating community-specific housing priorities, policy alternatives and intervention strategies based on the anticipated future demographics of the community. View the request for qualifications at www.cityofmarion.org/publicnotice. 

Swim Lesson Registration Moves Online
This is the first year the Marion Parks and Recreation Department has not offered an in-person registration day for swimming lessons at the Marion Pool. Registration opened on March 1, and 696 spots were filled that day. As of March 3, 719 spots have been filled, with 196 people on the waiting list. Based on the demand, the Aquatics Division is looking at ways to offer a few more classes. They are also taking registrations to gauge the level of interest in the 2022 Marion Sharks Swim Team. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org/swimlessons. 

Kudos to Building Inspector Andy Kuehl
Marion building inspectors are combination inspectors, meaning they check for compliance with all local codes including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and more. As such, training, continuing education and maintaining credentials are a big part of their job. One of Marion's newer building inspectors, Andy Kuehl, is now a certified residential and commercial electrical inspector. He received word late last week that he passed both exams. Congrats Andy!

The following are a few major activities on my calendar for the coming week:

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This press release was produced by the City of Marion. The views expressed here are the author’s own.