For the Good of the Order

City Council Election Results
City and school officials were on the ballot earlier this week. Ward 2 representative Grant Harper and Ward 4 representative Sara Mentzer will both begin another four-year term in January. At-Large representative Randy Strnad did not seek re-election and Kelvin Unemin was elected to serve in an At-Large capacity beginning in January. The newly elected and re-elected council members join Mayor Nick AbouAssaly, Gage Miskimen, Ward 1 representative, Will Brandt, Ward 3 representative and Steve Jensen, At-Large representative, who were not up for re-election this year. A swearing-in ceremony will take place at the first City Council Meeting in January. I commend all who ran for office and exercised their right to vote. 

Most City Offices to Close in Observance of Veterans Day
Marion City Hall, Marion Public Library and other City offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Emergency services will continue to be provided. Garbage, recycling and yard waste will be collected according to the normal schedule on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The Yard Waste Facility and Recycling Center, located at 195 35th Street, will be closed on Tuesday. The library's bookmobile will also not operate on Tuesday.

Construction Updates
Earlier this week, crews completed the bridge repair work on the W 8th Avenue Bridge over Indian Creek. 8th Avenue is now open to two-way traffic. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this temporary road closure. Construction crews continue site restoration work on the Boyson Trail from the Grant Wood Trail to the pedestrian bridge over Dry Creek. Given the nature of the work, it is imperative that trail users observe the posted closures and stay out of the construction zone.

Iowa Department of Revenue Issues 2025 Rollback Order
On Oct. 27, 2025, the Iowa Department of Revenue issued a rollback order that will be applied to Jan. 1, 2025, assessments. When the market value of a property is determined by the Linn County Assessors’ Office, a rollback percentage is applied to determine the property’s taxable value. This value determines the property tax bill, payable in September 2026 and March 2027. The order decreases the residential rollback (percentage of residential property that is taxable) from 47.4316% to 44.5345%. In other words, a property valued at $200,000 on Jan. 1, 2025, would be taxed at $200,000 multiplied by the rollback rate of 44.5345% which equals $89,069. To compute taxes due, the taxable valuation of $89,069 is divided by 1,000 and multiplied by the levy rate (provided by Linn County each spring). 

The residential rollback also applies to the first $150,000 of commercial and industrial properties. Commercial and industrial property value that exceeds $150,000 is then taxed at 90%. For example, a commercial property valued at $500,000 would be taxed at ($150,000 x 44.5345%) + ($350,000 x 90%) = $381,802. The full impact of the change to the City of Marion will not be known until Linn County releases the City’s total taxable valuation on Jan. 1, 2026. This important data will be used as we prepare the City’s budget for the next fiscal year.

City and HACAP Partner to Host Food Drive
At a time when area food pantries are seeing greater demand, the City of Marion is partnering with HACAP Food Reservoir to host a food drive to support those facing food insecurity. Donations will be redistributed to local food pantries by HACAP. Several City facilities will accept non-perishable food items beginning next week through the end of November. Donations may be brought to the Thomas Park Administrative and Operations Facility, Marion Public Library, Marion Police Headquarters or Fire Station No. 1 during normal business hours. Financial donations can be directed to HACAP at www.hacap.org/donate. Learn more and find a list of requested foods on the City website. 

Churches of Marion Food Pantry Distribution
Starting Saturday, Nov. 8, the Churches of Marion Food Pantry will be open on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Residents can receive food once every seven days at 864 12th Street in Marion (next to the First Presbyterian Church). An ID is not required, but those registering for the first time will be asked to complete a short form. Saturday distributions are in addition to regular distribution times on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. and are on a trial basis through November.

Solid Waste Agency Blanket Drive
The Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency, Central Furniture Rescue and Waypoint are partnering to keep people warm this winter. Blankets, hats, gloves and pillows can be dropped off at both Solid Waste Agency locations between now and the end of November, to be donated to support the Cedar Rapids Winter Weather Shelter. Materials collected must be clean and dry. Drop off locations include:

• 1954 County Home Road, Marion (inside the Resource Recovery building); Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• 2250 A Street SW, Cedar Rapids (inside Building 948); Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-noon

Coffeehouse Night Performance Tonight
Between October and April, the Marion Arts Council is pleased to present Coffeehouse Nights at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center. These musical performances feature talented local acoustic artists in a relaxed coffeehouse-type atmosphere. Admission is free and light refreshments are available for purchase. Performances run from 7–8:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. The High Crest will perform this evening. On Dec. 5, Terry McCauley will perform.

Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale Nov. 14-16
The Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale is happening again next weekend. The sale on Friday, Nov. 14, from 4-5 p.m. is reserved for Friends members only, but member signups are welcome at the door. All are welcome to attend on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 16 from 2-4 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, hardcopy books are $3, paperback books are $2 and children’s books are $2 for hardcover and $1 for paperbacks. On Sunday, a bag of books is $5. Puzzles will be available for $3. In addition, there will be a bake sale and seasonal art made from recycled books. The event will be in the Community Room at the Marion Public Library and all proceeds will support the Library. Hope to see you then!

Marion Fire Department Seeks CERT Volunteers
Are you passionate about service and interested in helping reduce the impacts of emergencies and disasters? The Marion Fire Department is seeking additional volunteers to support the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Marion. Designed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), CERTs provide volunteers who are integrated into the community response structure. The City of Marion’s CERT team will receive training from Linn County Emergency Management and the Marion Fire Department. Previous experience is not required, but applicants must be 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30. Learn more and apply at www.cityofmarion.org/employment. Questions may be directed to the Marion Fire Department at 319-377-8237.

Board and Commission Openings
Do you want to provide input on City policies and help shape our city and its government? Apply to be one of 100+ volunteers who serve on Marion boards and commissions. There are openings on the Civil Service Commission, Civil Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board and Marion Arts Council. To be considered, please submit an online application. 

Kudos to the Solid Waste Crew
We always love it when our residents take the time to share their appreciation. This note was sent to Councilmember Harper earlier this week: "I want to pass along my thanks to the men who worked our garbage pick up on Alburnett Road this week. It was windy on pick up day. In spite of the challenges that presented, my wife and I feel we received excellent service. I admire a job well done. None of us hear positive things enough, I didn't want to let this opportunity pass. Thanks!" Many thanks to the Solid Waste Division for their outstanding service. 

New Faces in New Places
On Monday, Nov. 10, Grace Champagne will join Team Marion. Grace was hired as a library assistant for adult services at the Marion Public Library. She previously served as a manager at Sidekick Books. Welcome aboard!

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Nov. 5-9, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 700 block of Barrington Parkway. Then, between Nov. 11-15, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 1500 block of 50th Street.

Upcoming Events

Here’s a look at what’s happening in Marion:

• Friday, Nov. 7 – Coffeehouse Night featuring The High Crest – 7-8:30 p.m. – Lowe Park
• Saturday, Nov. 8 – City Council Office Hours – 9-11 a.m. – Marion Public Library
• Tuesday, Nov. 11 – City offices & Marion Public Library closed in observance of Veterans Day
• Friday, Nov. 14 – Bingo Night – 6-8:30 p.m.- Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center

Future Council Items

Here’s an overview of several items that will be coming before the City Council in the weeks ahead.

On the Docket

The following are a few of the major activities on my calendar for the coming week:

• Internal meetings
• Meeting with Matt Brown
• Good Morning Cedar Rapids event
• Gazette Editorial Board meeting

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