Marion renews housing program
After a glowing report by city economic development director Jami Williams during Monday's meeting of the success of the Bucks for Building program, Marion City Council narrowly approved the renewal of the program for another year following an unusual discussion and after listening to the public.
Williams informed the council that since the program began in October 2005, nine individuals have participated in the program.
As part of the program, local businesses have offered free or reduced goods and services to those homeowners who purchase newly-constructed houses. The city also participates in the program by giving $1,000 cash and monitors the program. In 2005, the council budgeted $20,000 for the program with $11,000 remaining in the program after the council approved three more applicants at Monday's meeting.
For new homeowners who take full advantage of the program, a $10,000 benefit could be provided.
Both Williams and mayor Mary Olson wanted a stipulation that required participants to use local businesses for construction and furnishing of the house if the goods and services are available.
Councilman Gene Winkler made the motion to continue with the program for another year or until the funds are depleted but did not want to limit where participants purchase items. The motion died for a lack of a second.
Olson then made a similar motion with the addition of requiring participants to use local contractors if available.
"It's been working the way it was," Winkler said. "If we keep putting restrictions on everything, we're not going to have many takers."
Marion resident Nick Nickelson said free trade laws cannot restrict where a person shops and the city should not place restrictions on where participants purchase materials.
With that, the motion failed.
Winkler then made his original motion again to continue the Bucks for Building program through December 2008 or until the $11,000 is depleted; Olson seconded. Jerry Kline voted against the motion and Bill Holdeman abstained. Olson then said Holdeman's abstention would then go with the majority and the motion passed, 3-1. Councilman Stacey Collett was absent.
Earlier in the meeting, the council approve the applications of Jay and Cheryl Christensen at 812 S. Roosevelt, Jo Allen at 1018 Denver, and Chris and Sandy Sprowls at 1420 Denver for the Bucks for Building program.
