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Marion council approves consent agenda; staff reports $9.5M state letter of intent for water intake
Summary
The council unanimously approved a consent agenda that included multiple grant applications and budget appropriations. Funding Coordinator Hunter Clark reported a $9.5 million state letter of intent for the city's primary water intake and other grant awards for sewer and water improvements, pending final steps and Local Government Commission review.
The Marion City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda on April 21, clearing a package of routine items including an application for a Lead and Copper Grant, budget appropriations for special projects, a CDBG Block Grant application, a resolution to change the hourly rate for off-duty police assignments and an amendment to the Clinchfield Grant Project Ordinance.
City Manager Woody Ayers introduced the consent agenda as routine and noncontroversial. Council Member Juanita Doggett moved approval and Don Ramsey seconded; the motion carried unanimously.
During the City Manager's Report and subsequent updates, Funding Coordinator Hunter Clark told the council the previously approved $9,500,000 grant for the city's primary water intake has received a state "letter of intent to fund" pending completion of required steps. Clark said engineering work will continue through December 2026 and that, if approved, the formal funding offer would carry a no-interest debt obligation subject to the Local Government Commission. Clark also reported additional awards (letters of intent pending or not yet received) including $1,400,000 to bury a sewer aerial crossing on the Catawba River, $2,400,000 for sewer collection basin improvements and $716,000 toward improvements to the water filter plant.
Ayers also reported retail sales data showing a year-over-year decline of about 1.5 percentage points for the county and 1.67 percent for the state, and said the city's dilapidated housing list stands at about 30 properties with a goal of addressing two to three per year (three targeted for the current year). He reminded the council of upcoming community events including a Chamber Gala and a speaker series at Old Fort Depot.
Ayers noted the city has been under a burn ban since March 21 and staff are working with Fire Chief Corey Presnell on a new fire ordinance to formalize burn-ban conditions; voluntary water-use restrictions may be implemented if drought conditions persist.
The council adjourned at approximately 6:56 PM following a motion by Don Ramsey and a second by Billy Martin.
