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City considers hiring developer

Staff reporter

The City of Marion is considering the hiring of an economic development professional.

City commissioners instructed David Mayfield, city administrator, Monday to research an appropriate job description and funding options.

Mayor Martin Tice had requested the commission consider the possibility of hiring a city developer. A meeting with community representatives was held and the consensus from the meeting was to move forward with the position.

Jami Williams, Marion Chamber of Commerce President, said the city had no one person existing and prospective businesses could contact for information.

A county economic development person would direct prospective developers to the various cities but Williams said there needs to be a contact person in the city to promote the community and "put together incentive packages."

Commissioner Larry McLain said he was in favor of the position.

"We WILL find the funding," McLain said adamantly. "We have to move forward with this" and cited missed opportunities.

He also said the person hired needs only to be committed to the commission and not manipulated by individuals and businesses.

"Competition is what's going to make this community grow," McLain continued. Quality jobs are needed to lure and retain residents.

He said he had tried to establish a community day-care center.

"Businesses should underwrite the program," McLain said. "Everyone wants to run to a dab-gum grant program and it's wrong."

He also cited more quality housing was needed.

"We have a town with too many chiefs and not enough Indians," he concluded.

Commissioner Jim Crofoot said economic development is vital but the position is difficult to fill and measure success.

Tice agreed and said the community's problems won't be solved when the person is hired.

He then instructed Mayfield to present a proposal within two weeks.

Mayfield said he preferred the person report directly to the commission instead of to him.

He also suggested a multi-interview process with a committee to conduct preliminary interviews and the commission making final decision.

Margo Yates, executive secretary of the chamber of commerce, asked the commission if the person hired for the position would be required to live in Marion.

The commission said that would be preferred but do not want to limit any possibilities.

The city has not had a person in an economic development position since October 2003.

In other business:

— The commission approved participation in a countywide revitalization program with the condition it would not interfere or be detrimental to the city's program.

— Two budgeted transfers were approved from utility funds. A $90,000 transfer will be distributed with $40,000 to electrical fund, $20,000 refuse, $15,000 water, and $15,000 sewer funds.

A $50,000 transfer will be distributed with $30,000 to sewer fund and $20,000 to water fund.

— Warrants for $50,393 and payroll for $25,117 were approved.

— Public utilities superintendent Harvey Sanders reported a new water line had been installed on Lawrence Street for five new homes, a new service line was installed on Lincoln Street, a gate was installed at Marion Airport, and a fire hydrant was installed at Denver and Eisenhower streets.

He said he attended a school on metering this past week in Wichita. The information will be implemented.

U.S.-77 contractors are using a metered water hydrant at 1220 E. Main.

— Gary Ewert was reappointed to a three-year term on the city museum board.

The commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the city building.

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