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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Marion City Council aproves 2008 budget with modest mill levy increase

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

The Marion City Council approved its 2008 budget Monday with a three-tenths mill levy increase.

The council also approved a recommendation from Economic Director Jami Williams to switch Web providers from Infinitec to local company Florence Web Computers for a savings of more than $500 annually, a bid of $250 per year compared to more than $770 from Infinitec.

Williams said Rick Burcky of the Florence company also will save the city money by doing updates, and by not charging for design.

The council approved a proposal from Clerk Angela Lange to contractwith Absolute Shred of Kansas, based in Hillsboro, to dispose of outdated files in storage with some effort made to retain possible historic documents.

Williams said only slightly...

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Hillsboro to set hearing for liquor zoning

Written by Don Ratzlaff Wednesday, 15 August 2007 05:13

After a discussion with the city’s planning consultant and representatives from the Plan­ning and Zoning Commission at its Aug. 7 meeting, the Hillsboro City Council directed the commission to conduct a public hearing about zoning regulations regarding liquor by the drink.

Zoning consultant John Riggs said state and county statutes allow liquor by the drink, but cities have the authority to regulate the location of such establishments through zoning.

“You can control it, but you do have to allow it,” Riggs said.

Craig Roble, Planning Com­mission chair, said commission members think the majority of local citizens do not want to see liquor by the drink implemented in town. At the same time, he added, commission members...

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