IN FOCUS: 4.24.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

FY 2027 City Budget Adopted
The Marion City Council adopted the FY 2027 budget at last night's meeting. I applaud Team Marion for their continued commitment to our zero-based budgeting process. We begin each year from a zero base, which ensures greater scrutiny and more productive use of taxpayer dollars. It also strengthens our ability to plan for critical infrastructure and equipment needs across the organization and community. The adopted FY 27 budget is the result of a commitment to sound fiscal management. The newly adopted budget includes two additional 911 communications operators to aid emergency dispatch, a management analyst for the Police Department and a communications specialist to support citywide initiatives. The budget also implements the initial phase of a cost allocation plan, ensuring that taxpayer-supported funds are not subsidizing utility operations. In addition, the City will not be issuing debt for FY27 capital projects, reflecting a continued focus on responsible financial planning and debt management.

Delivering on our commitment to taxpayers, the adopted property tax rate will decrease by $0.35 to $14.54508, while still generating approximately $1.95 million in revenue to support essential services for our community. For more information, please visit our website.

Congresswoman Hinson Advances $10 Million Request for Tower Terrace Road Improvements
Late last week, the cities of Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Marion, Robins and Linn County, together with the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), received word that Congresswoman Ashley Hinson has selected the Tower Terrace Road Corridor Improvements project for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The request seeks $10 million in federal support to advance construction and safety improvements along one of the region's most significant east-west corridors. Tower Terrace Road is a multi-jurisdictional project that has been planned and coordinated since the 1970s. The requested federal funding would help complete key segments that improve traffic flow, enhance safety and expand access to jobs, housing and services across Linn County.

Marion Fire Department Provides Safety Tips for Seniors
The Marion Fire Department recently expanded its community risk reduction program with the launch of Safety Tips for Seniors. This program, in partnership with O'Connell Transport, provides informational flyers to vulnerable residents who rely on this transportation service, helping ensure they have access to important fire and life safety tips. The department also met with local assisted living facility representatives to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration around resident safety. Thank you to O'Connell Transport for being a partner in this important effort.

Marion Farmers Market to Open on May 2
The Marion Farmers Market reopens for the season on Saturday, May 2, at Willowood Park, 1855 35th Street. The market will be open every Saturday from 8-11 a.m. through the end of September. The first market is expected to host more than 30 vendors, including select vendors enrolled in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and the Linn County Master Gardeners. Attendees will find fresh produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, honey, jewelry, woodworking, crafts and more at this neighborhood farmers market. In addition, Marion City Council members will hold their weekly office hours at the market. Every Saturday, beginning May 2, one or more council members will be available for questions and conversation during market hours.

Open House Planned for Indian Creek Master Plan Development on May 4
On Monday, May 4, from 6-7 p.m., City of Marion representatives and the Creekside Pride committee will host an open house to share updates on the Indian Creek Master Plan and next steps for activating the creek. It will be held at the Marion Public Works Facility, 202 44th Street. Information will be shared regarding construction at Site 1, located near Wallace Road, as well as Sites 5 and 6. During this open house, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback, connect with project partners and committee members, explore ongoing water quality efforts and learn more about creek access, its use and future plans.

Stormwater Open House Happening May 11
A public open house is being held on Monday, May 11, to share updates regarding Marion's stormwater master plan project. The open house will be from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Marion Public Works Facility, 202 44th Street. Representatives from the City and its engineering consultant will be on hand to answer questions. There is no formal presentation planned, so residents can come and go as they please.

Rebates Available for Residential Stormwater Practices
The City of Marion offers rebates to residents who want to improve water quality and decrease runoff on their property. Residents can qualify for rebates for projects like native plantings, soil quality restoration, rain gardens and pervious pavers and get reimbursed for 50% of the project cost (up to $1,000). The program also provides $50 for new rain barrels and trees (up to 3 per household). Learn how to make your yard more sustainable and save money doing it. Find the details at www.cityofmarion.org/stormwater.

2026 Music Under the Moon Concert Series
The Music Under the Moon concert series sponsored by Veridian Credit Union returns to the Klopfenstein Amphitheater stage at Lowe Park this summer. Three high-energy acts will take the stage, including:

• Saturday, June 20: That Arena Rock Show, a tribute to the greatest rock anthems of all time.
• Saturday, July 18: Beyond the Blonde, Ultimate Pop Tribute; celebrating the powerhouse divas P!NK, Gwen Stefani and Lady Gaga.
• Saturday, Aug. 15: Vegas McGraw, Tim McGraw Tribute; a powerful show that thrills and captivates audiences everywhere.

The Music Under the Moon concerts are free to attend and begin at 8 p.m.

2026 Moonlit Movies Series Announced
The City of Marion also announced the return of the Moonlit Movie series at the Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park. Three outdoor movie nights are planned, including:

• Friday, June 12, featuring "Zootopia 2"
• Friday, July 10, featuring "How to Train Your Dragon" (2025)
• Friday, Aug. 7, featuring "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie"

Inflatables will be available each evening starting at 7 p.m. and face painting will be offered for free. The feature presentation will begin around 8:30 p.m.

Marion to Host Migratory Bird and Arbor Day Celebration
Marion's Migratory Bird and Arbor Day Celebration is planned for Saturday, May 9, at Thomas Park from Noon to 3 p.m. This popular event will provide resources to help keep birds, our community and the environment healthy and thriving. Activities include guided bird hikes, a tree-climbing demonstration, a goat grazing demo, a live raptor presentation, informational displays, nature-themed gifts and gear for sale, and make-and-take crafts. Visit www.cityofmarion.org/birdfriendly for the full schedule of events.

Marion Police Department to Host 5K4K9 Fun Run/Walk on May 9
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 9, 2026, for the return of the 5K4K9 fun run/walk hosted by the Marion Police Department (MPD). The family-friendly community event will be held at Linn-Mar High School and include bounce houses, a kids' fun run and the 5K event. Be sure to stick around to see the MPD K9s and their handlers in action. Event activities start at 9 a.m. The cost is $35 for those running/walking the 5K and $25 for those participating in the kids' fun run. Register online at www.cityofmarion.org/5K4K9.

City Accepting Hotel/Motel Grant Applications
The City of Marion is accepting grant applications from any non-profit organization for a project that increases tourism within Marion. The funding source for these grants is the City's share of taxes collected on overnight stays at hotels and motels within the city. Approximately $50,000 is expected to be available for the competitive grant program in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Applications will be accepted online at www.cityofmarion.org/HotelMotel through May 4, 2026. Award allocations are expected during the June 18, 2026, City Council meeting.

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 center manager, a police officer and a fleet asset specialist. 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

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between April 22-26, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2100 block of 10th Avenue. Between April 28-May 2, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 2700 block of 10th Avenue.

Upcoming Events

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

• Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours, Saturday, May 2, 8-11 a.m., Willowood Park

• 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 Juliet Abdel
  • Gazette Editorial Board meeting
  • Council & Leadership Team retreat
  • Meeting with Nikki Wilcox
  • Natural disaster tabletop exercise
  • Meeting with Jennifer Pratt, Roy Hesemann and Darrin Gage

  Sign up to receive this weekly newsletter and other updates from the City of Marion directly in your inbox by visiting www.cityofmarion.org/text