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Marion opts out of buying monitors with Hillsboro

The City of Marion will not participate with the City of Hillsboro in purchasing real-time monitors at Marion Reservoir.

Marion City Administrator David Mayfield presented information Monday to the council regarding Hillsboro's request about the monitors.

He said the monitors would alert authorities when algae blooms occur. There would be three monitors — two at the beaches and one at the intake. The total cost for the equipment would be $28,473. Mayfield offered other cost variables that would be less.

The city's engineers were asked if there would be an advantage to monitor the increase or decrease of algae. Mayfield said there would be no advantage because the city's new ozone system, currently being installed in the water treatment plant, will take care of toxins. The city could participate for recreational purposes.

It was explained that the ozone process kills bacteria.

Peggy Blackman, who was at the meeting as a representative of Relay For Life, said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers observes algae outbreaks and notifies the public when appropriate. She said she wasn't sure who would determine the results of the tests.

It was noted that Hillsboro has an interest in the testing because it uses chemicals and not ozone for disinfecting.

At that point, the council decided it would not participate with Hillsboro.

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