Marion holds bond hearing
Marion City Commission held a public hearing Monday to provide information and answer questions on possible issuance of taxable revenue bonds that could be used to finance an assisted living facility in Marion. No action was taken after the hearing.
Bob Brooks, developer of the assisted living facility, was present along with his attorney, Sarah Steele, from Gilmore and Bell, Wichita. The law firm was hired by Brooks to oversee the industrial revenue bonds project.
Steele said Steve Robb of Pittsburg State University had conducted an analysis of costs and benefits that would accrue to the county, the city, the school district, and the hospital district from having the facility here. The hospital district would "break even," according to Robb's analysis, and the other entities would make some financial gains.
The benefit to the city is estimated at $14,826 for the first 10 years of the facility's existence.
The developer seeks a property tax exemption of up to 100 percent for the first 10 years.
The attorney said this would be a "one-time only" request, that the owners would not seek to renew the 10-year tax exemption in 2013.
Brooks said there is a great need for such a facility in Marion. People have moved from Marion because such a facility wasn't available, he said. The need is "tremendous," he and others at the meeting said.
The facility would at first have 18 units, with expansion capability up to a total of 25 units.
Assisted living is a state between nursing home care and independent living, Brooks explained. In an assisted-living situation, residents have help available with the activities of daily living — three meals a day, grooming, dressing, baths, medication, monitoring, and other needs.
The average age of those in assisted living facilities is 82, Brooks said.
A citizen said, "It's a good deal, and there's a great need here."
The facility will be similar to one in Hays, a city of about 22,000. "That one was financed by City of Hays bonds," Brooks said.
A hearing will be held at 4 p.m. Oct. 13 at the city building, preceding the regular city commission meeting. It will be a second hearing on Marion Die and Fixture's request for exemption from ad valorem (property) taxes.
Susan Cooper, the city's economic development director, explained the state of Kansas asked for and received more information about the business and the request, from the city, and now another hearing is required.
Cooper said she recently attended a retreat with members of the Marion County Economic Development Council.
Marty Fredrickson said city crews have been spraying to kill mosquitoes, and briquets have been placed in standing-water areas to kill larvae.
He added that a water main at Freeborn and Highland broke Thursday, and some residents were without water for a few hours while the break was being repaired.
Librarian Janet Marler reported that 80 people toured Marion City Library Saturday afternoon during the facility's Old Settlers' Day Open House.
City Clerk Linda Holub told commissioners of a new city brochure, and handed out copies. The brochure lists many city services and fees, dates and times for city commission meetings and municipal court sessions, utility rates, and other information.
Commissioner Larry McLain thanked Breanne Killough for providing transportation for him and Mayor Eloise Mueller to ride in Saturday's OSD Parade.
John Brose, chairman of the Marion Parks Board, said the board is looking on the Internet and elsewhere for a metal urn to place in the flower circle in Central Park. It would be a memorial for the late Phyllis Melton.
Brose said there used to be an urn of this kind there, but "it disappeared."
He noted that the park has been in good shape lately, due to both rains and good care.
The commission approved payment of warrants totaling $2,691.22.
