Added to that bonus, Case said, is an inspection of city buildings by insurance providers that raised the valuation of city property by $375,000, so there is higher value coverage at a lower rate.

Case said the drop, on a policy that includes everything from property insurance to workman's compensation, is the first decrease since the 9-11 terrorist attack that raised premiums everywhere.

He attributed the decrease to improved experience among many insured customers who are holding the line on claims. He said the providers complimented Marion on its experience and its efforts to keep the work place safe.

Mayor Martin Tice and Commissioner Max Hayen, in the absence of Commissioner Jim Crofoot, voted to approve installation of a sign on 40-foot-long 14-inch square poles that will be partially sunk into the ground to provide advertising for Seacat Hardware on U.S. Highway 56.

Development director Jami Williams said the Kansas Department of Transportation reported it has no problem with the placement as long as it is on city easement. She said the 16-foot wide sign will straddle a water line in a similar position to that now occupied by a city sign offering free lots.

Brad Seacat, business owner, had asked permission for the sign because of low business visibility from the west, she said.

The commissioners approved an agreement for permission for the new fire truck to aid neighboring communities on structural fires presented by Fire Chief Mike Regnier after it was reviewed by City Attorney Dan Baldwin.

Williams discussed developing a plan to provide funding breaks for business similar to the help the city now gives on new housing closing costs. She also is continuing in discussion with the management of Marion Assisted Living concerning new living units that could be located along Eisenhower.

Public Works director Harvey Sanders said his crew has returned to work on the 12-5 higher voltage line improvement after lighting repairs done at the baseball field.

The commissioners proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month in accord with progress made in national civil rights.

They approved paying warrants for $28,167.47 and payroll for $23,858.99.

Routine agenda characterizes commission's payday meeting

The Marion County Commission took care of routine business during its payday session Friday. The payday total approved for March was $615,693.

County Clerk Carol Maggard announced the county still has $75,441 in 2005 encumbered funds. She said sales tax for January collected in February, and distributed in March was $40,070, which continues the upward trend for th is year.

Commissioners Randy Dallke and Bob Hein, in the absence of Commissioner Dan Holub, awarded a bid for 100 cases of 8.5-by-11-inch copy paper at $2,300 to Baker Bros. Printing of Hillsboro. The competitive bids were for $2,462 from Dick's Business Machines of Emporia, $2,575 from Sunflower Business Solutions of Newton, and $2,740 from Navrat Office Products of Emporia.

Cardie Oil Co. of Tampa was awarded a road and bridge area fuel bid totalling $13,551.90 over a competitive bid of $14,060.90 from Cooperative Grain & Supply of Hillsboro.