IN FOCUS: 2.7.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Marion Celebrates Black History Month
During last night's City Council meeting, Councilmember Kelvin Unemin proclaimed February as Black History Month. It provides us with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the numerous significant achievements and contributions made by African Americans to our nation's economic, cultural and political development. The 2026 theme is "A Century of Black History Commemorations" in honor of the 100 years since the first national Black history celebrations began in 1926. Residents are encouraged to celebrate diversity as an asset to Marion and seek out educational opportunities on the history and contributions of African Americans.

FY27 Proposed City of Marion Property Tax Rate (Levy)
The City of Marion's proposed property tax rate (levy) was presented during the City Council budget work session on Jan. 30. The property tax rate will be finalized after the City Council adopts the FY27 budget in April. It's important to remember that the City of Marion is only one of several taxing entities that make up your total property tax bill. In FY26, the City's portion was approximately 37% of the total bill for residents in the Linn-Mar & Marion Independent School Districts, and approximately 41% for residents in the Cedar Rapids School District. Even so, we recognize residents experience the full impact of the total tax bill, and we remain focused on being thoughtful and deliberate with the City's portion of that overall tax burden. Through careful planning and ongoing cost-containment efforts, the City's proposed property tax rate for FY27 would decrease from $14.89684 to $14.54508 per $1,000 of taxable value - approximately a $0.35 reduction. What could this mean for homeowners?

• If your assessed value increased by about 9% from 2024 to 2025, you could expect to pay about the same in City of Marion property taxes.
• If your assessed value increased by less than 9%, you could expect a decrease in City of Marion property taxes.
• If your assessed value increased more than 9%, you could expect an increase in City of Marion property taxes.

While no single action fully addresses the broader property tax burden, this proposed reduction reflects an intentional effort to lessen the City's impact where possible. For additional details, residents can review the budget packet, as well as the full budget calendar, which highlights upcoming dates when the City Council will continue these discussions. These meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

Builder/Contractor Open House Held This Week
Earlier this week, area commercial contractors, builders and developers attended an open house at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center. This informational session provided an opportunity for industry professionals to engage directly with representatives from City departments and economic development partners on topics that impact those in the building construction industry. The morning session, geared toward commercial contractors and developers, drew in 39 attendees - the highest attendance since the event began four years ago. A second session, focused on residential home construction, brought in 25 participants. This event marked the eighth consecutive year this residential-focused session has been offered. Thank you to all who attended and engaged on these important topics.

Upcoming Events at the Ice Loop
Join us on Saturday, Feb. 7, from noon-10 p.m., for the 2026 Winter Games at the Ice Loop. Lace up, hit the ice and show off your skating skills. The Depot in City Square Park will be decorated with winter sports-inspired decor, as well as upbeat music and themed snacks to keep the energy up. The first 50 skaters will receive a gold medal that doubles as a free skate pass to use during a future visit. Then, on Saturday, Feb. 14, bring your loved ones out for a Valentine's Day skate. From noon-10 p.m., Marion Parks and Recreation is offering buy-one, get-one-free admission and skate rental. You can even get creative at the card-making station. Learn more about the Ice Loop at www.cityofmarion.org/iceloop.

Garage & Recycling Curbside Collection Reminders
To make your garbage collection day as smooth as possible, it's important to follow the rules. Be sure to set your carts out by 7 a.m. on collection day, leave at least three feet between carts and other objects, place carts on a flat surface and make sure the front faces the street. Please ensure the lids are closed as overfilled carts will not be collected. One extra bag is allowed if it is placed on top of the garbage cart and includes an extra bag sticker visible from the street. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org/automatedcollection. Thank you for doing your part!

Artesian Road will Close Next Week to Replace Storm Culverts
On Monday, Feb. 9, Pirc Tobin Construction will close Artesian Road east of Stanley Drive and 1.5 miles west of Highway 13 to replace existing storm culverts. This closure is associated with the Champions Estates subdivision and is expected to last 1.5 weeks, weather dependent.

Existing Brick Preservation Policy Approved
During last night's City Council meeting, a policy for brick preservation was formally adopted that will require all City projects to salvage existing exposed bricks. When enough bricks have been preserved, they will be utilized in the Terrace Glen Historic District on 11th Street between 9th and 10th Avenue, 9th Avenue between 11th and 12th Street and 12th Street between 9th and 10th Avenue. This policy aligns with a goal in the City's Strategic Plan to preserve the historic character of the city, and includes feedback from the Marion Historic Preservation Commission, as well as residents who live on existing brick streets. It will take several years to accomplish this important preservation work and updates will be provided as progress is made.

Marion's State of the City Event is Happening Next Month
Marion's State of the City event will be held on Monday, March 9, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. Mayor AbouAssaly's high-energy presentation, titled "City of Opportunity," will highlight the progress and forward-looking initiatives that make Marion a community where people and businesses thrive. Tickets are now available at www.cityofmarion.org/SOC. Reservations are due by Friday, Feb. 27. The City is pleased to have the sponsorship support of several local businesses to help make this event possible. Sponsors include Alliant Energy, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Mercy Medical Park of Marion, MidAmerican Energy, Ohnward Bank & Trust, Rinderknecht Associates, Simmons Perrine PLC and TrueNorth Companies.

Marion Farmers Market and Uptown Marion Market Accepting Vendor Applications
The weekly Marion Farmers Market, hosted by Marion Parks and Recreation, will return to Willowood Park (1855 35th Street) again this year. The market will run each Saturday from May 2-Sept. 26, 2026, from 8-11 a.m. Vendor applications are currently being accepted, with the first review beginning in mid-February. Learn more and apply at www.cityofmarion.org/farmersmarket. Additionally, the festival-style Uptown Marion Market, presented by the Marion Platinum Community Partners and hosted by the Marion Chamber, will be held on June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 26 on 7th Avenue and in City Square Park. Applications are now open. Visit marioncc.org/vendor-information for details.

Marion Business Expo Happening February 20-21
The Marion Chamber of Commerce will host the first Marion Business Expo presented by Farmers State Bank on Feb. 20-21, 2026, at Vernon Middle School, bringing together local businesses and the community for a two-day event. The expo will begin Friday evening, Feb. 20, with vendor setup followed by a Business-to-Business Reception from 5-7 p.m., offering participating businesses an opportunity to network and build relationships. On Saturday, Feb. 21, the event will be open to the public from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., inviting community members to explore local businesses, products, services and organizations - all under one roof. For more information about the Marion Business Expo, vendor registration or sponsorship opportunities, visit marioncc.org/business-expo-vendor or contact the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

Apply to Join a Board or Commission
Do you want to provide input on City policies and help shape our city and its government? Apply to be one of 100+ volunteers who serve on Marion boards and commissions. There are openings on the Arts Council, Civil Service Commission, Civil Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board and Park Board. To be considered, please submit an online application.

We're Hiring
If you're looking for a collaborative team where you can learn and grow while making a positive impact in the community, look no further. Current full-time openings include a 911 communications operator, Library patron services support staff and Public Works project assistant. We're also looking to fill several seasonal openings in our Parks and Recreation Department. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

Word on the Street

• What are the plans for the medians that have been cleared around Linn-Mar High School?
  The median work along 10th Street (Boyson Road to Tower Terrace Road) and 29th Avenue (10th Street to Indian Creek Road) is a coordinated effort between the Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments. Last fall, Parks staff completed a clean-out of the outdated plant material in preparation for the upcoming construction project. Public Works currently has a project out for bid that includes street patching, curb repairs adjacent to the medians and installation of concrete median edging to improve long-term safety and maintenance conditions. This work is expected to be completed this summer. Following construction, the Parks and Recreation Department will replant and mulch the medians during the fall planting season.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Feb. 3-7, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 5700 block of Lucore Road. Between Feb. 9-13, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 700 block of Barrington Parkway.

Upcoming Events

Here's a look at what's happening in Marion:

• Coffeehouse Nights featuring Cedar County Cobras, 7-8:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6, Lowe Park
• City Council Office Hours, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, Marion Public Library
• Winter Games at the Ice Loop, Noon-10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Bingo Night, 6-8:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13, Lowe Park
• City Council Office Hours, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, Marion Public Library

Future Council Items

Here's an overview of several items that will be coming before the City Council in the weeks ahead.

On the Docket

The following are a few of the major activities on my calendar for the coming week:

• Internal meetings
• Meeting with Julie Herzog
• Monthly check-in with Linn-Mar & Marion Independent school districts
• 2026 Day at the Capitol
• Meeting with Mary Egger
• Guest speaker at Leadership of Five Seasons - Economic Development Day

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