MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW):
STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“It has come to the attention of City Officials and members of MFD leadership that a rumor is circulating regarding our 2026 budget.
As many know, the City of Marion faces budget cuts next year that necessitate reducing our expenditures. Mayor Collins asked that all departments reduce their budgets for fiscal year 2026 by 10%.
Rumors have spread regarding many City departments and what those budget cuts may mean.
One particular rumor is that the Marion Fire Department plans to stop development of the New Central Station located on South Main Street, and is planning to use the money to avoid laying members off. This is untrue.
No money from the Capital lmprovement Levy that the community passed in 2022 will be used to fund salaries. While the ballot language does allow for this, that is not the reality for next years budget.
The new Central Fire Station is currently on hold while the City pursues improving its Bond rating, allowing it to borrow the money necessary to build the new station.
The money is in a separate account and is not allocated for any other expenditures other than Capital Improvements.”