Country adopts 2008 budget with no mill-levy increase

Written by Jerry Engler Wednesday, 22 August 2007 06:03

With only seven patrons attending the 2008 budget hearing on Monday, the Marion County Commission approved the new budget that included no mill-levy increase.

Scot Loyd, county auditor, said a $170,000 valuation rise had made it unnecessary to consider a mill levy increase beyond the 59 mills.

Loyd noted that the commission had been “helped tremendously” in keeping costs down by a bid coming in for resurfacing Sunflower Road at $793,000 instead of an expected $1.1 to $1.2 million anticipated cost, a savings of $300,000.

Commission Chairman Randy Dallke said everything had been done “to squeeze the thing around” to keep taxes down.

Lester Kaiser of the County Fire Chief’s Association said proceeds from this year’s Labor...

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'Justus' to play at Florence Labor Day street dance

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Wednesday, 22 August 2007 06:01

Florence Labor Day Celebra­tion will feature a street dance Sept. 1, from 9 p.m. until midnight on Main Street.

Music will be provided by “Justus,” a classic country and rock band that originated in 1990. After five years together, members took some time off then reunited in 2007.

Members of the band are Allen Makovec and son Caleb of Goessel, Bob Griffis from Manhattan, and Duane McCarty from Marion.

Each musician sings to add a variety of voices and styles. Band members have more than 30 years of band experience. Admission requires a $4 button.

McClain’s Kids’ Ranch Rodeo and Mutton Bustin’ will be featured again during the Florence Labor Day Celebration.

The event will be at 3 p.m. Sept. 1 in the grass lots in the...

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Tampa fire department to receive $143,000 grant

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Wednesday, 22 August 2007 05:51

Congressman Jerry Moran today announced Aug. 8 that Marion County Fire District No. 7 has been awarded two grants by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Tampa firefighters were given $11,605 to acquire new bunker gear and $131,100 to purchase a new 3,000-gallon tanker truck.

“Many rural fire departments rely on these grants to purchase the equipment they need to keep our communities safe,” Moran said. “This will allow firefighters in Marion County to continue protecting area residents.”

Assistance was applied for through the DHS Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Grants are awarded to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the public and fire service personnel from fire and related hazards.

“This...

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Commissioners say 'no mill-levy increase' to fund 2008 budget

Written by Jerry Engler Wednesday, 15 August 2007 05:19

The Marion County Commission voted 3-0 Monday that there would be no mill levy increase in the 2008 budget.

Tom Brown of Savant Services in McPherson urged the commission to continue to develop a strategic plan even to the point of deciding which county blacktop roads might be turned to gravel if oil prices continue to rise.

Brown said the commissioners should work with the road and bridge department to decide which roads will remain hard surfaced no matter what, and which roads may not. He said, this infrastructure and services component is one-third of a strategic plan for the county.

Brown said the other two components to be looked at are economic vitality and quality of life. He will be working with Teresa Huffman, economic...

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