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Marion council weighs expansion of downtown 'rhino' public‑art tour; decision pushed to Jan. 5
Summary
Councilors discussed a proposal to grow Marion’s community rhino public‑art tour to roughly 150 pieces using a tourism attraction grant; staff estimated a project cost near $56,228 with a city match contingency and recommended returning Jan. 5 with refined commitments and budget adjustments.
Marion’s proposal to expand a locally popular public‑art "rhino" tour drew an extended discussion at the council’s December meeting, but councilors deferred final approval until the January 5 meeting so absent members can participate.
Economic development staff (Speaker 6) outlined a plan to increase the number of decorated rhino sculptures to mark Marion’s incorporation anniversary and local celebrations. She said medium rhinos typically cost about $300, reducible to $200 with grant assistance; larger statues normally cost about $650 but could be reduced to roughly $400 with grant support. She also proposed murals and digital guides to increase visitor engagement.
Councilor (Speaker 2) presented a tentative budget: a total project cost of about $56,228, with the state/grant portion around $22,004 and a city match estimated at up to $16,812 if the full scope is funded. Speaker 6 said matching requirements can include in‑kind volunteer labor—painting, installation, removal—as well as sponsorships. She reported 18 pledges collected within about a week and said the current count of rhinos on display is 74.
Councilors asked whether the county would contribute for rhinos on county property; staff said the county granted permission to place smaller elements but not large kiosks. Members debated the realism of reaching a 150‑rhino goal and whether to scale the application down to a smaller, guaranteed number. Several councilors expressed support for the concept as an economic‑development tactic to draw visitors and encourage downtown spending.
Action and next steps: The council agreed to carry the tourism attraction grant application for formal action on Jan. 5 so absent council members can review the project’s commitments and city match. Staff were asked to firm up sponsorship pledges and adjust the draft budget, including removing large sign kiosks where county placement was not approved.
