Marion council approves patrol hire, fleet purchases and loan for a street truck

Marion — The Marion City Council approved a package of personnel and procurement actions that included hiring a new patrol officer, two budgeted vehicle purchases and a loan authorization to finance one purchase.

Commissioner Barwick moved to approve the recommendation of the merit board and the police chief to hire Tyler Absher as a patrol officer at the agreed rate under the collective-bargaining agreement, with a start date of April 14, 2026; the council voted to confirm the hire by roll call. The chief introduced the new officer at the meeting.

Council members also approved two separate budgeted vehicle purchases: a 2026 Ford F-150 for the street department ($41,303.84) and a 2026 Ford F-150 XL for the water department ($41,003.84). For the street-department purchase, the council adopted ordinance 4103 authorizing a loan with First Southern Bank not to exceed $41,304 for a five-year term at 3.95% per annum.

Mayor Absher briefly addressed a potential personal connection to the hire, saying the relationship was distant and that he wanted that question asked before voting: "It's been determined that we're, very distantly related... I did need to ask them that question ahead of time before I voted either way," he said, then voted in favor.

Why it matters: the hires and fleet purchases restate routine municipal personnel and equipment decisions; council approval of a loan for one vehicle formalizes borrowing to cover capital outlay. The city will complete standard onboarding steps for the new officer and process the vehicle purchase and loan documentation.

Ordinance numbers and procurement documents will be posted with the city clerk as required.