By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Marion city council meetings are being permanently moved to the basement of the city building, and will now be recorded.

Council members voted Monday night to purchase eight microphones, two speakers, and a recorder. The public will be able to listen to a council meeting afterward if they were not able to attend.

City administrator Roger Holter told council members he had checked with Gene Winkler to find out what audio equipment would cost, and learned there are two quality options for microphones.

The lower-quality microphones are more directional, meaning the device would need to be pointed toward the mouth of the speaker for optimal recording.

The council voted to spend $2,000 for equipment that includes 360 degree microphones to better record speakers’ words.

Holter said he expects the equipment to arrive within 14 days, so it might be in use at the next council meeting.