MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)— Residents gathered at the Marion City Council meeting on Monday night to express their opposition to a planned fare increase for Marion Area Transit set to take effect in August. Transit Director Julie Welch reminded the council that no action was required from them.
Welch maintained her former assertion that many riders had anticipated the fare increase, questioning when the rate would be implemented.
However, the attendees of the meeting shared a different perspective, as none supported the proposed hike. Concerned citizens urged council members to consider the impact on those who rely on public transportation.
One individual highlighted the disparity between a recent 40% fare increase for transit and a 60% decrease for party bus fares, saying, “Think about that… a 40% fare increase to go to the doctor but a 60% decrease to go drinking.”
In response to the discussions, Councilman Ayers Ratliff made a motion to grant the council authority over any future rate increases, which passed unanimously with a 9-0 vote. While most council members were against the fare increase, sixth ward Councilman Ron Prater and fourth ward Councilwoman Twila Lang expressed uncertainty, stating they were unsure how they would vote.
In other council business, the ordinance to change Marion from a statutory city to a charter city was returned to committee for further refinement.
The legislation aims to be on the November ballot, with the possibility of establishing a new government structure led by a charter commission of fifteen residents, potentially in 2026.
At the request of Mayor Collins, the council also voted to refrain from allocating funding for the “CanDo” economic development program for 2025.
Collins expressed interest in exploring the creation of a new economic development position funded by both the city and county, with plans for further discussions at the August 11 meeting.