Mask order extended to Dec. 31
Staff writer
Marion city council reinstated a mandatory mask order through the end of the year in a 4-1 vote Monday.
Mayor Dave Mayfield opposed the order.
Mayfield said he could not support extending the mask resolution that long.
City administrator Roger Holter said only six cities in the state have mask ordinances, and that he has spent a great deal of time answering questions from the public about the ordinance.
“I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time on calls with neighbors not wearing masks,” Holter said.
Councilman Chris Costello said he is encouraged to see a substantial increase in people wearing masks and a decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases since the ordinance went into effect July 27.
Council members first considered extending the ordinance until Sept. 21, shortly before Old Settlers Day weekend.
Councilman Ruth Herbel said she polled 25 people and all but two of them were in favor of continuing the ordinance. She recommended changing the end date of the ordinance to Dec. 31.
Councilman Jerry Kline said he hates wearing a mask, but Herbel told him people are getting used to them.