Income-based housing project may find a home in Marion

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN JERRY ENGLER
Another new development may be coming to Marion.

Susan Cooper, city development director, told the Marion City Commission Monday that the Marion Housing Authority is looking at properties for a developer that would build income-sensitive housing, beginning with two, two-unit duplexes on the “Hill.”

After building a dozen such homes on land provided by the city, she said the developer would probably move to do the same thing in the “Valley.”

As in most such developments, she said the homes might not be on the tax roll for the first 10 years.

Commissioner Larry McLain said he is pleased the city is getting a new development. But he would like to see the commission adapt an attitude for getting tax-paying improvements that will add to the general tax valuation, therefore reducing individual taxes.

He especially wants to see the industrial parks fill up.

Commissioners approved 3-0 Cooper proceeding to seek a Neighborhood Revitalization Program grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce & Housing for businesses on Main Street from the Big Scoop east to Country Inn Motel.

The program would enable businesses to receive property tax breaks due to increased valuation on improvements for 10 years, she said. The program even would enable a business built on a vacant lot to still be taxed as a vacant lot during that time.

Cooper said the program, aimed at broadening the tax base, could also include housing and would be administered through the county.

Hillsboro was the first community to do the Revitalization Program in Marion County, Cooper said, and its administrators are being helpful in helping neighboring cities to also seek the program.

The commissioners voted 3-0 to authorize Police Chief David Mayfield to pursue a COPS grant to provide funds to hire another police officer. The grant would pay 75 percent of the officer’s salary and benefits the first year, 50 percent the second year and 25 percent the third year.

Mayfield said increases in case load the last three years have caused increased overtime and part-time officer expenses that would be reduced by hiring a full-time officer. He said the additional officer could help the department provide better 24-hour coverage.

City Administrator Dennis Nichols said the additional officer also would free some of Mayfield’s time to be more proactive in community education and public relations. He said it would allow Mayfield to assume more responsibility in overseeing the city fire department.

The commissioners approved a resolution that calls for a public hearing at 4 p.m., June 3. to determine if a structure on Lot #5 of Victoria Heights Addition should be condemned and ordered repaired or demolished.

City Inspector Kermit Dirksen confirmed that the structure, a barn, and surrounding materials appear to violate city standards of safety and dilapidation.

The resolution was in response to a complaint form filled out by Marion “Nick” Nickelson who said the appearance of the lot was interfering with his own plans to sell or build on a lot he owns in the area.

Vic Buckner, who said he was an owner of the lot, said he wouldn’t be able to proceed with any cleanup until May 6.

Mayor Eloise Mueller suggested he discuss cleanup efforts with Dirksen outside the meeting.

The commissioners approved the March financial statement, the March investment and collateral report, and paying warrants for $143,727.40.

The largest two warrants were to Westar for $63,008.88 and Middlecreek Mining for $62,854.

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