Patty James

The Council meeting addressed several key items, including a citizen concern regarding a petition for Ward-based City Council elections and a discussion on the potential elimination of personal income tax. The Planning Commission reported approval of final plats for the Hwy 77 Cowling Cove and Domino Subdivision, and provided building permit statistics for December, noting substantial year-to-date new construction values. Old Business included updates on the Military Road expansion project, indicating an April 2026 bid date, and the Overpass Project, with final plans expected by March 16, 2026. Discussions also covered pending installation completion at Fire Station No. 1 and the need to schedule a Police Committee meeting regarding Arkansas State Towing and Recovery Board guidelines. New Business saw the approval of the lowest bid from B & B Utility for the Woodland View Drainage Project. Resolutions adopted included establishing rules for governance of Council meetings, authorizing new bank accounts for 2026, adopting the 2026 budget, amending the 2025 budget, and waiving competitive bidding for the Woolfolk Library roof replacement. The financial report indicated that December sales tax collections were better than budget, although year-to-date collections were slightly below projections. Department Heads provided updates, and Parks Superintendent Andy Rawls noted delays in receiving new bathrooms for Colonial Park due to winter weather.

Key discussions included citizen concerns regarding the potential detriment to the City of Marion if West Memphis eliminates state income tax, and a petition for city-wide voting for City Council members. Committee reports covered building permits, which showed year-to-date new construction value exceeding $33.9 million, and Planning Commission approvals of three replats and two site plans/final plats. The Police Committee reviewed towing schedules and policies, leading to the approval of an Interim Towing and Vehicle Storage Policy. Old business involved updates on the Military Road expansion (bid date set for April 2026) and Overpass redesign plans (bidding first quarter 2026), and the completion of Fire Station No. 1. Council authorized bond money usage for two Sutphen fire trucks and established financing options for the balance due on the 2025 Quint Fire Truck. New business included the approval of the 2026 Budget schedule, moving forward with the City of Marion 457(B) Savings Plan, and waiving the December Council meeting. Ordinances adopted included the rezoning of property at 604 College Blvd from C-3 to C-1, and the rezoning of property at 93 Military Road from C-1 to R-1. The financial report noted that year-to-date sales tax collections were below budget by approximately $92,000.00.

The council meeting addressed citizens' concerns, including drainage issues and the ward-based voting system. Committee reports covered planning, police and fire, public works, and water and sewer matters. Old business included updates on Military Road, the overpass, the RCE grant, Fire Station No. 1 renovation, and the Cedars agreement. New business involved ACT 833 funds for fire equipment, extending the Cintas uniform agreement, and approving change orders for the Marion Water Line Improvement project. Ordinances were discussed and voted on, including one prohibiting certain vehicle turns on Currie Street and others rezoning properties. Financials were reviewed, and acknowledgements were made to individuals for their achievements and service. Departmental reports were also presented.

The meeting addressed citizens' concerns regarding towing procedures and ward-based voting. Committee reports covered economic development, park improvements, planning commission activities, building permits, and public works projects, including ditch cleaning. Old business included updates on Military Road expansion, the overpass project, and Fire Station No. 1 renovations. New business involved approving a change order for sodding Colonial Park and awarding the ditch-cleaning project. The council also addressed ordinances related to vehicle turns, property rezoning, and the annexation of the Sihvonen Property. Additionally, a resolution was passed concerning the conveyance of equipment to Hino Motors Manufacturing. Financial reports were presented, and departmental updates were provided by the Parks Superintendent, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Public Works Superintendent, and Economic Development representative.

The Marion Planning Commission convened to address several key items. They reviewed rezoning requests for properties on Mitchel Lane, Military Road, and College Blvd, recommending changes from R-1 to C-2, C-1 to R-1, and C-3 to C-1, respectively, to the City Council. Additionally, the commission reviewed a preliminary site plan for the Davison Business Center, focusing on drainage, water and sewer requirements, and the need for replating to accommodate extra land use for parking. The approval of the preliminary site plan is contingent upon addressing these concerns.