Marion waives utility late fees, penalties

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Marion city council voted Monday to waive late fees and penalties for residents and businesses unable to pay utility bills.

The move is in keeping with a governor’s no-disconnect order for utilities during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order imposed by the state.

City administrator Roger Holter said one residence was disconnected at a landlord’s request, but none have been disconnected for non-payment.

Council members also voted not to allow public participation in a solar energy project soon to be built in the city industrial park.

The council had earlier considered options that would allow the public to purchase solar panels and get a monthly credit on their bill, but Holter recommended that with economic effects of a statewide stay-home order because of COVID-19, the fairest thing to do is for the city to own all the solar panels.

Council members approved appointments of Susan Robson as city attorney, Tiffany Jeffrey as city clerk, Rebecca Makovec as city treasurer, Preston Williams as fire chief, Randal J. Pankratz as municipal judge, Clinton Jeffrey as police chief, and Roger Holter as city administrator.