ARCHIVE

Electricity will be off during equipment change

A brief interruption will occur this week

Staff reporter

Marion residents were informed Monday there will be a brief disruption of electrical service while equipment is exchanged.

City public utilities superintendent Harvey Sanders reported during the Marion Commission meeting that Westar Energy was experiencing equipment failure, causing concerns.

City officials contacted local businesses Friday to advise them of possible changes in electrical power until equipment was repaired.

Sometime this week, electricity will be turned off during the night to have the least impact on individuals and businesses. Sanders also warned voltage will be low until the problem is rectified by Westar Energy.

In other business:

— City administrator David Mayfield and fire chief Mike Regnier were given permission to solicit bids for a new fire truck.

In a written report, Mayfield said he had contacted three local lending institutions and had response from one regarding a lease-purchase agreement for a truck.

A truck could be financed over a three year period with semi-annual payments of $32,270. The truck could be ordered with delivery within 120 days. Funds would be available in the 2006 budget to make the necessary payments and would leave adequate reserve funds.

Bid opening is scheduled for Aug. 15 at the commission meeting.

— Advertising has begun for a city economic development director. Mayfield distributed cost estimates to the commission regarding advertising in various newspapers.

— The commission approved the city's budget for 2006. Total budgeted expenditures for 2006 are $8,131,795. In 2005, budgeted expenses were $3,989,359, resulting in more than a $5 million increase.

Inflation and capital improvements contributed to the increase.

The city's assessed valuation for 2006 is $8,539,116, compared with $8,456,753 in 2005.

The significant increase in expenses does not require an increase in the mill levy.

The budget hearing will be at 4 p.m. Aug. 15.

— Standard Traffic Laws and Uniform Public Offense Code ordinances were approved.

— Annual renewal of an occupational tax for D&J Liquor was approved.

— Warrants for $70,306 and payroll for $29,257 were approved.

— Mayfield reported he will attend a meeting regarding future expansion of Fort Riley.

The next commission meeting will be at 4 p.m. Monday.

Quantcast