Community center grant will have to wait a year
Staff writer
The Marion City Council took no action Dec. 29 on a proposed HEAL grant application to help fund improvements to the community center.
The council decided to revisit the project later this year after reviewing costs and budget priorities.
City administrator Brian Wells and economic development director Megan Jones presented updated bids for plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and stage equipment repairs. They came in higher than expected. The council decided that applying now would strain city finances early in the year.
Jones recommended waiting until the program reopens in October. This would allow the city to plan a local match and refine repair priorities.
“The building is really in disrepair and needs attention,” she told council members. “But it’s probably wiser to pause now and revisit this later once we’ve gone through most of the budget year.”
Council members agreed that a sewer backup valve and bathroom repairs remained the most urgent issue. They were repaired before council met again last Monday.