Marion City Council approved the 2009 budget Monday which included a 2.9 mill increase, roughly $568,439.

Marion City Administrator David Mayfield said the original budget proposal was significantly more than the approved increase.

“All departments have decreased their budgets,” Mayfield said, indicating there can be no more cuts with the current services.

“I don’t like raising taxes any more than the next guy but don’t see any choice,” councilman Stacey Collett said.

The council approved the 2009 budget, 4-1, with councilman Bill Holdeman opposed. Holdeman also opposed an ordinance that was required with the passing of the budget since there was an increase in tax revenue.

Marion Mayor Mary Olson said there will be some projects completed in 2009.

In other business:

• The council and Marion Police Department accepted a donation of $1,500 from Marion Advancement Campaign for new in-car cameras for the patrol cars.
• The structures at 201 N. Freeborn will be removed by the city within 30 days if the property owner does not. The council found the property was dilapidated and the property owner had not responded to requests from the city.
• Mayfield reported he was looking into the possibility of refinancing the industrial park bond to attain a lower interest rate.
• The council approved a Bucks for Building application from Burton Tidwell for a new house being constructed at 501 N. Roosevelt.
• There was a 20-minute executive session for trade secrets with city attorney Dan Baldwin, city economic development director Doug Kjellin, and Mayfield. When the meeting reconvened, there were no decisions.
• The council then entered into a 15-minute executive session for attorney-client privilege. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
• The next city council meeting is at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at the city building.