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Improving Marion

Improving MarionImproving MarionImproving Marion

ONE PERCENT AT A TIME

VOTE YES NOVEMBER 2ND!


What is a LOCAL OPTIONS SALES TAX?

 Iowa has state sales tax of 6%, and allows local governments to collect a local option sales tax of up to 1%. These taxes combined total 7% sales tax.


When is the renewal?

November 2nd, 2021, elections will include a vote to extend the local options sales tax (LOST) for the next 10 years. The current LOST was approved in 2013 and expires in 2024 unless voted to extend the 1% sales tax. Many amenities in Marion have been funded through this sales tax (see below). 


Regional Vote?

Marion's vote on LOST is tied to the Cedar Rapids LOST vote. State law required cities with touching boarders to vote as one. If the vote passes in Marion but not in Cedar Rapids, the tax would end. If the vote passes in Cedar Rapids and not in Marion, the tax would continue. A vote by CR and Marion to pass would continue LOST until 2034 and all fail would end the LOST in 2024.


What will it be used for? 

The ballot measure will require. . . 

70% will go toward street and sewer improvements 

30% will be used for community projects

(Check out some of the proposed community projects below)


How much?

The average household currently pays about $294 in 1% LOST taxes each year through sales tax.

This tax puts $6.4 million back into the community each year with an estimated $70 million over 10 years. 

This tax also is an indirect form of property tax relief for Marion residents.


Why it makes sense for Marion

This is NOT a new tax.

Marion will receive more funding from this tax than the residents pay into it. 

35% of that funding comes from outside of Marion. 

Marion receives $1.36 for every dollar put in. 

The FACTS

ROI for Marion

Influence City Spending

Property Tax Relief

 Approximately $70 million would be returned to our community over the life of the tax, with more than 35% coming from outside Marion. 

Property Tax Relief

Influence City Spending

Property Tax Relief

  Using LOST proceeds for infrastructure projects keeps the debt service levy down. This is an indirect form of property tax relief. It allows the City to pay cash for projects rather than borrowing.

Influence City Spending

Influence City Spending

Speeding Up Needed Improvements

  Community improvement projects have been identified as priorities through community visioning (Imagine8/ImagiNEXT), development of the capital improvement program, growth areas in Marion and the biennial community survey.

Speeding Up Needed Improvements

Speeding Up Needed Improvements

Speeding Up Needed Improvements

  The funds would help  accomplish infrastructure projects in 10 years that would otherwise take 24-26 years.

Average Cost

Speeding Up Needed Improvements

Marion's Share

  The average household currently pays about $294 in 1% LOST taxes each year through sales tax. 

Marion's Share

Speeding Up Needed Improvements

Marion's Share

  Marion’s estimated return would be $6.4 million in the first year of the tax to about $7.6 million in year 10.

Past Projects

Marion Fire Station

Public Safety Equipment

Marion Fire Station

Opened summer of 2021 the new Marion Fire Station on tower terrace road will improve response times to Marion resident calls.

(Photo: OPN Architects)

Road Improvements

Public Safety Equipment

Marion Fire Station

Major and arterial roads, neighborhood streets, regional storm-water detention and the sanitary sewer systems have been upgraded.

Public Safety Equipment

Public Safety Equipment

Public Safety Equipment

Reliable public safety equipment for Marion Fire and Marion Police Departments play a large roll in keeping Marion residents safe.

Marion YMCA

Marion Library

Public Safety Equipment

Opened in 2021, the Marion YMCA and community center is a partnership with the City of Marion on improving resident health and wellbeing opportunities.

(Photo: CR/Marion YMCA)

Marion Library

Marion Library

Marion Library

Expected completion in early 2022, the new Marion Library will meet the resource needs of a growing community across all age groups, interests, and abilities.

(Photo:  Engberg Anderson Architects)

Bike Trails

Marion Library

Marion Library

Completed in 2021, as part of a greater ongoing trails connection program, the Cemar Trail Bridge is now open for residents to enjoy.

Proposed Improvements

Sewer Improvements

Sewer Improvements

Sewer Improvements

70% of the taxes collected will go towards ongoing road and sewer construction/repairs. Storm-water management projects will also be funded through this tax.

Road Improvments

Sewer Improvements

Sewer Improvements

 70% of the taxes collected will go towards ongoing road and sewer construction/repairs. Storm-water management projects will also be funded through this tax. 

Improved Waterways

Sewer Improvements

Aquatics Recreation

Creekside Pride Program looks to improve water quality, access to nature, and creek recreation in Marion.

Aquatics Recreation

Aquatics Recreation

Aquatics Recreation

Plans are being developed for a Marion Aquatics Center that would fill a recreation/amenity gap in the metro area.

(Photo:  Waters Edge Aquatic Design)

Fire Station #4

Aquatics Recreation

Park Improvements

Marion's growing community will soon need a 4th Fire Station to keep up with call volume and response times in northern Marion.

Park Improvements

Aquatics Recreation

Park Improvements

Marion's future park plan includes the creation of Prairie Hill Park, bathrooms, pavilions, playgrounds, and splash pads. 

(Photo: Snyder & Associates)

Marion Voting Information

Election Date: Tuesday Nov. 2, 2021

Polls Open: 7 am - 8 pm 

Voter registration forms and absentee ballot request

forms are due to Linn County Election Services by Oct. 18, 2021.


On The Ballot

2 Marion City Council At-Large Seats

Marion City Council Ward 2 

Marion City City Council Ward 4

Renewal of the 1% Local Option Sales Tax

Marion Library Board Governance

3 Linn-Mar School Board At-Large Seats

3 Marion Independent School Board At-Large Seats


Sample Ballots available after September 24th 

at Linn County Website

 

Find Your Polling Location Here

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