City will not participate in WRAPS grant
The City of Marion will not participate in the WRAPS program for a comprehensive study at Marion Reservoir.
Marion City Council voted 3-1 Monday evening to not participate at this time in the program. Bill Holdeman voted against the motion, in favor of the city's participation. Gene Winkler was absent from the meeting.
All agreed the WRAPS program was important and supported it, but did not think it was in the best interest of the city to participate.
Mayor Martin Tice said he considered it to be "double-dipping," since county funds already were committed for the matching grant, and city residents contribute to the county tax base.
City administrator David Mayfield told the council, prior to its decision, that if the city were to contribute its share to the grant, funding would have to be come from increased water rates of $18.82 per customer per year, increased mill levy with the budget being republished, or the capital improvement fund.
Councilman Jerry Kline suggested the city make a line item in the 2008 budget for participation in the ongoing program.
"I'm for the WRAPS program but this is not the right time," he said.
Councilman Stacey Collett asked if the WRAPS grant could be funded by eliminating trash bags, currently provided by the city, which would save the city $14,000. Holdeman said he didn't want to see the bags eliminated.
