Summary

Marion council approves utility, fleet, and development items

MarionApr 13, 20263 min read

At a glance

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The council approved a 48-month electric supply contract for city-owned facilities at 9.684 cents per kilowatt hour, along with vehicle purchases, infrastructure engineering work, and a residential redevelopment agreement.

Projects mentioned

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Residential TIF II Redevelopment

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City Council

Topics discussed

TransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyHousingUtilities

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What this means

Marion leaders approved several spending and development items that affect city services and future construction. They locked in a lower electric rate for city buildings, bought two Ford F-150 trucks for the Street and Water departments, and moved forward with engineering work for Midway Court and downtown stormwater improvements. The council also approved a residential redevelopment agreement and updated insurance terms for the sports complex partnership.

Key decisions

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Approved an electric supply aggregation contract with Direct Energy for city-owned facilities for 48 months at 9.684 cents per kilowatt hour
Approved the hire of Tyler Absher as a patrol officer starting April 14, 2026
Approved purchase of a 2026 Ford F-150 XL for the Street Department and authorized a five-year loan up to $41,304 at 3.95% through First Southern Bank
Approved purchase of a 2026 Ford F-150 XL for the Water Department
Approved an engineering agreement with Horner Shifrin for infrastructure improvements along Midway Court
Approved an engineering agreement with Horner Shifrin for various downtown stormwater improvements
Approved Ordinance 4104, a Residential TIF II Redevelopment Agreement with T&R Prime Properties, LLC
Approved the first amendment to the Sports Complex Public-Private Partnership Agreement

Timeline & follow-ups

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Meeting information

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City Council Meeting

Apr 13, 2026, 5:30 PM350 Tower Square Plaza, Marion, IL 62959completed

Agenda

CALL TO ORDER
1. ROLL CALL
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS/AUDIENCE TO VISITORS (Subject to Ordinance No. 3128 as amended by Ordinance No. 3134)
A. Proclamation - Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Decision: PUBLIC COMMENTS/AUDIENCE TO VISITORS (Subject to Ordinance No. 3128 as amended by Ordinance No. 3134)
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A. MINUTES
Decision: CONSENT AGENDA
1) Discuss/Approve minutes from the March 23, 2026 city council meeting.
Decision: CONSENT AGENDA
B. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Decision: CONSENT AGENDA
1) Approve the recommendation of Mayor Absher to reappoint Tammy Beasley Wright to the Police Pension Board to a new two-year term.
Decision: CONSENT AGENDA
NEW BUSINESS
5. TREASURER'S OFFICE
A. Discuss and announce that the FY27 tentative budget is available for review, and the budget hearing will be held on Monday, April 27th at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Marion City Hall.
Decision: TREASURER'S OFFICE
6. POLICE DEPARTMENT
A. Discuss/Approve the recommendation of the merit board, Commissioner Barwick, and Chief Fitts to hire Tyler Absher as a patrol officer at the agreed upon rate per the collective bargaining agreement. Absher's start date will be April 14th, 2026.
Decision: POLICE DEPARTMENT
7. STREET DEPARTMENT
A. Discuss/Approve purchase of 2026 Ford F150 XL for $41,303.84 from Jim Hayes, Inc.
Decision: STREET DEPARTMENT
B. Discuss/Approve Ordinance 4103 authorizing a loan with First Southern Bank not to exceed $41,304 for the purchase of a 2026 Ford F150 XL for the Street Department. The loan is a five-year term with an interest rate of 3.95% per annum.
Decision: STREET DEPARTMENT
8. WATER DEPARTMENT
A. Discuss/Approve the purchase of a 2026 Ford F150 XL for $41,303.84 from Jim Hayes, Inc.; a budgeted item.
Decision: WATER DEPARTMENT
9. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPAL PLANNING
A. Discuss/Approve an engineering agreement with Horner Shifrin for infrastructure improvements along Midway Court.
Decision: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPAL PLANNING
B. Discuss/Approve an engineering agreement with Horner Shifrin for various stormwater improvements downtown.
Decision: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPAL PLANNING
C. Discuss/Approve Ordinance 4104, a Residential TIF II Redevelopment Agreement with T&R Prime Properties, LLC.
Decision: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPAL PLANNING
10. PUBLIC AFFAIRS
A. Discuss/Approve the First Amendment to the Sports Complex Public-Private Partnership Agreement.
Decision: PUBLIC AFFAIRS
B. Discuss/Approve an electric supply aggregation contract for electric usage of City-owned facilities.
Decision: PUBLIC AFFAIRS
11. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
12. MISCELLANEOUS
13. CLOSED/EXECUTIVE SESSION (IF NEEDED) LITIGATION, PROPERTY, PERSONNEL.
14. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT