Marion takes first look at budget
Staff writer
Next year’s budget wish list for Marion department heads comes to $10.8 million, $300,000 more than they were authorized to spend this year.
City council members got their first look at budget requests Monday.
The city’s administration department is asking $11,000 more than last year for salary increases, insurance increases, a new laptop for the city administrator, $2,000 more in attorney fees, and $1,000 more in audit fees.
Recreation and parks is asking for $16,617 more for cemetery expenses, $13,160 of which is to cover a full-time employee added this spring. It is also seeking $27,405 more for parks, of which $20,200 is for a full-time employee added this spring, seasonal help, and repair of park equipment.
Marion fire department wants $10,000 more to cover additional bunker gear, building repair and maintenance, and truck repair costs.
The police department is asking for $21,000 more to cover equipment replacements and police dog expenses.
Public works is asking for $11,000 more for rocks for alleys and equipment repair, and $164,177 more to rebuild an ozone generator at the water plant and cover increased prices of chemicals.
If every department got the amounts requested, the general fund would increase $88,293, the utility fund would decrease by $57,102, and the capital improvement fund would end up with a balance of $4.9 million, the third largest in recent history.
Property valuation estimates from the county aren’t due until June 15, so no tax rates can be projected at this time.
Meetings with individual department heads will be June 22.
The last date to publish a proposed budget is Aug. 5.
A budget hearing is planned for Aug. 10.
The approved budget must be filed with the county clerk’s office by Aug. 25.