Housing program gets OK from city
City will provide $20,000 in incentives
Staff reporter
In an effort to broaden the local property tax base and increase local population, city leaders approved a program that will provide incentives to owners who construct new houses.
A committee was recently formed to review the city's strategic plan and to organize community programs.
A housing program determined to be the first project was tailored after Hesston's program which resulted in the construction of 10 new homes.
A sub-committee was formed to implement the program.
Jim Hefley addressed Marion City Commission Monday and requested the city's support.
"Local businesses could give incentives," Hefley said.
At a recent Marion Chamber of Commerce meeting, more than 50 members attended and indicated 100 percent support for the program.
Some local businesses already have stepped up to the challenge and have agreed to participate.
Central National Bank, Marion National Bank, and Tampa State Bank will waive closing costs, Hannaford Abstract & Title Company will provide title insurance at a reduced price, Kannady & Associates will provide chamber bucks, Brenda's Bloomers & Gifts will donate a house plant, Central Park Antiques Emporium will give a welcome basket, and Marion County Record will give a newspaper subscription.
Jami Williams, president of the chamber and a member of the housing committee, asked the city to provide a map with vacant lots and names of owners that are available for new construction.
Committee member Donna Bernhardt, managing editor of Marion County Record, presented an advertising budget of approximately $2,500, for promoting the program.
"We don't want to overlook the Fort Riley expansion," Bernhardt said. The costs would cover advertising in area newspapers to attract new residents to the city.
A brochure also could be designed and printed for an additional $500, Bernhardt said.
A proposed ending date for application would be Dec. 31, 2006.
The city agreed to offer a $1,000 cash grant upon completion of new home construction up to $20,000, and $3,000 for advertising and promotions.
City administrator David Mayfield said funds were available in the city sales tax fund, which is earmarked for economic development.
The incentives would be provided only to new construction, single family dwellings that are owner-occupied.
"This is a great project where city, business owners, and citizens can come together," Hefley said.
In other business:
— Marty Fredrickson, city building inspector, provided an update of improvements at 201 N. Freeborn Street.
The house was slated for demolition when the owner requested and received additional time to complete necessary improvements. Fredrickson was instructed by the commission to provide a weekly update.
A cistern had been filled but more dirt was needed, some work had been completed on the garage but it was not finished, and Fredrickson said he could not see any evidence of any work being done on the house.
The house at 1018 Denver Street has been leveled and is in the process of being hauled away.
— A resolution for a hearing to consider condemnation of dilapidated property at 501 N. Roosevelt Street was approved. A public petition had been received by the city to condemn the house that is owned by John Stultz of McPherson.
The house had not been occupied since February 2002, Fredrickson said. He said the integrity of the heating, plumbing, and electrical was not known. There also have been complaints of rats and skunks inhabiting the structure.
— A work session to allow public input regarding a city economic development position will be held Tuesday after the regular commission meeting.
— Warrants for $40,862 were approved.
— A 10-minute executive session was called by city attorney Dan Baldwin for attorney-client privilege. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the city building. There is no meeting on Monday due to the Labor Day holiday.
