Appropriations will remain the same to REC, chamber

By SUSAN BERG

Staff writer

During a special work session Monday afternoon, Marion City Council was in agreement to keep all appropriations the same.

The recreation commission will receive $16,000, Marion Chamber of Commerce $8,000 for tourism efforts, and $1,000 each to Marion Housing Authority and Communities in Schools.

Rodney Richmond, a member of the REC board, told the council that the $16,000 paid to the commission was for the REC director’s salary and KPERS. Other funding for the organization was through its programs.

Other items discussed were:

• The reality of increasing city utilities to cover bond payments of the new water distribution system and possibly raising electrical rates when the contract with Westar Energy ends in two years.
• The Eisenhower Drive and North Cedar Street project may be postponed because of rising oil prices. City administrator David Mayfield reported that the cost of road oil had increased from $1.20 per gallon to $3.30. By postponing, the city could get a better bid. He added that if the project was postponed, it would be only for a few months.
• Councilman Steven Smith asked city officials if any excess or unused city equipment could be sold. Street superintendent Marty Fredrickson said he was working on selling two rollers and a winch truck.
• Councilman Bill Holdeman asked if there was any way to cut back on the number of vehicles being used. Fredrickson responded that there are trucks equipped for specific uses that are not being used all of the time but only when the need arises. He added that city workers were not driving excessively.
• Mayor Mary Olson asked if there could be any reductions for the city’s insurance policy. Mayfield responded that the city was following a safety program which has provided refunds and there weren’t any other reductions available.
• The question was asked if fees needed to be increased regarding dogs running at-large. City clerk Angela Lange said it’s the same people being charged for the loose dogs and raising the fees won’t make a difference.
• More discussion followed regarding police chief Josh Whitwell’s desire for a fifth police officer. Whitwell said with a fifth officer, it would free him up for administrative responsibilities and the implementation of programs. Otherwise, he would be required to take a shift as a patrol officer.
• A public hearing for the budget will be held at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 25.