Marion City Council sets April 17 public hearing on proposed FY2026 budget

Marion City officials voted to set a public hearing for April 17, 2025, on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget after a motion to adopt Resolution No. 32,314 was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Finance and city staff reminded the council and public that the budget process is a yearlong, multi-touchpoint effort that uses 0-based budgeting, requiring departments to justify each requested expenditure. Staff said the only substantive change since the budget work session on Feb. 20 is a small, finalized increase to transit costs and timing shifts in the capital improvement program (CIP) tied to permitting and design delays on trunk sewer projects 4 and 5; staff said those CIP shifts do not change the overall dollar total.

"The aquatic center by law has to go through a referendum process," City Manager Ryan said, confirming the facility proposal will be presented to voters in November and that a steering committee of residents, staff and council members is working with a consultant to develop options on siting, design and tax impacts.

During discussion, Finance staff described how capital investments such as sewer, roads and asset replacement are prioritized using data and asset analysis, and that the city works with financial advisors (DA Davidson was named) on multi‑year financial updates to show cost impacts. Staff also said vacant positions are reviewed and not automatically refilled, that the city has pursued department mergers and private‑sector partnerships to reduce costs, and that health‑benefit plan changes were implemented to lower employer costs.

Council members and staff encouraged residents to review the budget documents linked in the meeting packet and on the city's budget webpage and to ask questions. Staff said they will make time to meet with residents, pointed to weekly council office hours, and provided City Hall contact options for follow‑up. City staff also said the city website includes links to prior council meetings and supporting materials for the budget and CIP.

The council took the vote after no further requests for discussion. The motion to adopt Resolution No. 32,314, setting the April 17 public hearing date for the proposed FY2026 budget, was approved by voice vote.

Details on timing and design for specific CIP projects, final transit cost figures, and the specific ballot language for the aquatic center referendum will be provided at future council meetings and in subsequent budget/CIP materials to be published before the April hearings.