Staff writer
Marion City Council approved Monday the sale of lots in Marion Business Park to a vehicle towing business.
Following 25 minutes of executive sessions for trade secrets, the council approved an agreement with Auto House, Inc. of Galva, for two lots in the city’s business park on the north side of U.S.-56. In addition to the two lots being purchased from the city, the business also wants to purchase a third lot owned by David and Laura Yates. The council approved the sale of that lot by the Yates’.
The price of the two lots from the city is $7,400.
Since the towing business also includes the storage of vehicles, the city’s zoning regulations also had to be addressed.
The current zoning at the business park does not allow salvage yard operations which is where the storage of inoperable vehicles would be defined. The council also will present a request to the Marion Planning Commission for an amendment to the city’s zoning code to allow the towing business and storage of up to nine vehicles.
If the company decides to use Lot 4, which is a frontage lot between Trace of Copper and Pit Stop Convenience Store, it only can be used for the retail sale of automobiles.
City economic development director Doug Kjellin said the business may employ one or two people.
The contract to sell the lots will not be presented to the owners of Auto House until the zoning regulations are changed.
In other business:
- Kjellin reported that the City of Marion is in the running for entrepreneurship tax credits from NetWork Kansas. The purpose is to provide seeding capital to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Donors receive a 75 percent state income tax credit, dollar-for-dollar, against state income liability. Kjellin said he wants those interested in participating in the program to contact him.