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Marion presents $20.8 million FY2026–27 budget proposal with no property tax increase
Summary
City Manager Woody Ayers presented a proposed $20,822,000 Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget — a 5.5% increase from the prior year — proposing no property tax-rate increase while recommending targeted fee and rate adjustments and a 2% employee cost-of-living adjustment; final vote is scheduled for June.
City Manager Woody Ayers presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget to the Marion City Council on May 19, detailing a plan he said totals approximately $20,822,000 and represents a 5.5% increase over the prior year. Ayers told council there would be no increase to the property tax rate as part of the proposal and described selected fee and rate adjustments to balance obligations.
Ayers said the proposal includes a $2.00 increase in residential garbage rates and a 5% increase in both water and sewer rates, citing significant sewer infrastructure needs. He also recommended a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, emphasized the city’s goal of completing hurricane recovery projects by September 2027, and said staff will pursue grant funding to offset capital needs. Ayers noted no new staff positions are planned in the proposed budget.
The budget presentation stressed maintaining fund-balance reserves and addressing debt reduction while advancing a new strategic plan. The mayor and finance staff framed the presentation as an informational step; Ayers told the council the official budget vote is scheduled to occur in June, at which point the council will take final action.
— Woody Ayers, City Manager (presentation summarized).
