Commission approves 2009 budget with 4-mill increase

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 26 August 2008 14:48

The Marion County Commission Monday approved the about $6.456 million in ad valorem taxes for the 2009 county budget with a four-mill increase of about $404,000.

County Clerk Carol Maggard said the amount could vary by $92,000 more, according to final valuation figures.

Although all three commissioners went through the budgeting process, commissioners Bob Hein and Randy Dallke approved the budget in the absence of Dan Holub.

Acting Road and Bridge Director John Summerville said he has been contacted by a landowner offering to cost-share for raising a road surface that has worn away over the years on a miniumum-maintenance road. Summerville said the road, on Alfalfa south of 280th, “will take lots of material,” and be...

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Marion 2009 budget approved with 2.9-mill tax levy increase

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 26 August 2008 14:47

The Marion City Council Monday approved its 2009 budget of $568,439 with an increase of 2.9 mills to 60.293 mills.

Councilor Bill Holdeman was the lone dissenting voice in a 4-1 majority on the budget itself and an accompanying ordinance required by the state for increasing in tax revenue.

Holdeman said he thought the city should do “the same as everybody else with some belt tightening.”

City Administrator David Mayfield said the city had been looking at a larger increase, especially with oil prices, but had stayed as low as it did by cutting departmental budgets.

Holdeman said companies like Westar, which provides electricity to the city, are able “to pass on costs down the line, and keep on getting their share. I don’t want...

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Florence soapbox derby offer races for kids who are novices and ‘pros’

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 26 August 2008 14:46

The Florence Labor Day Committee will sponsor a soap box derby competition called “King of the Hill” at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

This event is offered with the support of Wray Roofing in North Newton and assistance from the Florence Fire Depart­ment.

The race will be double elimination down Fifth Street hill with two classes of cars: open and stock.

Practice runs for both classes will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude by 1 p.m., with the event beginning at 1:30 p.m. Each participant is limited to two practice runs.

The stock class has four cars available that were built by the Florence Labor Day Committee and community volunteers. This race is for children ages 9 to 12 who weigh 120 pounds or less and are no taller than 5-foot, 3...

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Consultant recommends roadway management program

Written by Aleen Ratzlaff Tuesday, 19 August 2008 15:07

With a maintenance backlog of 32 miles projected to carry over to next year, it’s no surprise that roads and bridges rank as the No. 1 critical concern for Marion County, a consultant told the county commission Monday at its regular meeting.

Based on research and information gathered, Tom Brown of Savant Service in McPherson made a series of recommendations for the county’s strategic plan, due to the state by the end of September.

Some input had come from county residents at six town meetings, although according to Commissioner Dan Holub, only a total of 22 people attended countywide.

High on Brown’s list of recommendations is including a comprehensive roadway management program in the county’s strategic plan.

“Most...

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