Residents ask city to help keep wellness center open
Staff reporter
Exercise is a passion for some people and a necessity for others. With the recent announcement of the closing of Marion Wellness Center, residents are concerned and expressed those concerns during Monday's Marion City Council meeting.
Randy Crawford addressed the council during the public forum portion of the meeting. He said he was representing his fiancé, Lori Lalouette, and she was wanting to purchase the wellness center.
The wellness center rented its downtown building space so just the equipment is owned by the entity.
"I'm asking the city for a $5,000 grant," Crawford said, which would offset the cost of the equipment.
The reason Crawford was directly asking the council for the grant instead of going through the usual process was because there was only $1,500 remaining in the appropriated grant fund. Additional funds would require council approval.
City economic development director Jami Williams said she had been working with Crawford and Lalouette and had researched the situation.
"Proceeds from the sale (of the wellness center) would be given to a non-profit organization," Williams said.
The wellness center group also had considered giving the equipment to Marion High School which didn't make sense to Crawford.
"Wellness center members bought the equipment," Crawford said. Taxpayers already support the school.
A half-dozen residents attended Monday's meeting in support of the wellness center remaining open. They voiced their concerns about the necessity of the center for health reasons and pointed out that a Hillsboro exercise facility recently had closed.
Marion Chamber of Commerce Secretary Margo Yates said people ask if there is a fitness facility when inquiring about the city.
Crawford informed the council that the rent also had increased to $395 per month and utilities were around $300 per month. Williams commented that the asking price of the building is $30,000.
It was pointed out that the business would not be a moneymaker but an asset to the community as well as fill a health need.
The question was asked if the Marion Recreation Commission could assist. Yates responded the commission was to meet Thursday to discuss the matter and added that this issue was more important than "just keeping a business open."
Crawford said he was "under the gun" because the directors of the wellness center had a Feb. 15 deadline to review all offers and sell the equipment, which wasn't much time.
Mayor Martin Tice said he, too, would like to see the center remain open and suggested Crawford and Lalouette continue negotiations and return to the council in two weeks.
