Marion considers raising trash rates annually
Staff writer
Marion City Council is considering increasing monthly residential trash pickup rates to $15.50 and adding 3% to that fee every year thereafter.
Marion’s last trash rate increase was in 2016, according to city administrator Brian Wells.
The goal is to maintain the city’s sanitation service as a cost-recovery effort while also setting aside money to replace equipment such as refuse trucks, Wells said.
“If we start setting aside money now, we won’t have to borrow when it’s time to replace the truck,” he said.
Council members took no action on the proposal at their meeting Monday, opting to seek further review and public comment.
The council also reviewed recommended changes to fees for building and utility permits fees. Electric permits cost a a flat fee, but the city is considering whether fees should better reflect the time and inspections required for projects, Wells said.
“We’re trying to bring it up to where it pays for itself,” he said.
Earlier in the meeting, the council agreed to serve as fiscal agent for a grant application tied to redevelopment of the vacant County Seat building at 130 E. Main St.
New owner Matt Meyerhoff is proposing renovating the property into offices, meeting space, and an indoor marketplace for startup businesses.
Council members questioned whether a somewhat similar plan for the basement of Marion Community Center failed to draw much interest but nonetheless unanimously agreed to serve, as it has with other grant requests, as a fiscal agent.
Council members also approved a new city logo, adopting a modified version of a winning design from a logo contest. Economic development director Megan Jones said the logo would help create consistent branding across city vehicles, signs, and promotional materials.
The change could help signal a new direction for the community, Mayor Michael Powers said. Council member Zach Collett cast the lone nay.
Council members also approved EBH Engineering as the engineering firm for a proposed KDOT repavement of Main St. (K-256) from Thorp St. to Roosevelt St.
The city contacted seven state-approved engineering firms but received only one proposal. The project will replace pavement, curb, and gutter. No timetable for completion has been announced.
Council also approved replacing an electric department bucket truck and selected Marion National Bank to finance the purchase.
The bank offered a three-year term with a $25,000 down payment and 3.95% interest. The city plans to sell the department’s 1999 bucket truck.
Marion Fire Chief Andre Ebaben presented a report on the department’s condition and needs.
Much of the department’s equipment is aging, Ebaben said, and some safety gear has exceeded recommended service life.
He estimated about $125,000 annually would be needed to maintain equipment and keep the department operating at its current level.
Council members also approved buying up to $1,200 in advertising in the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Fishing Atlas and Hunting Atlas.