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A significant shift in economic development strategy is underway in Marion after the City Council, at its meeting last night, August 11, voted down an ordinance to continue its relationship with the economic development group Can Do. The move came at the recommendation of Mayor Bill Collins, who proposed creating a new, combined City/County Economic Development Director position.
The pivotal moment of the meeting was the debate over Ordinance 2025-059, which pitted the administration’s goal for greater accountability against resident concerns over government expansion and fiscal planning.
The Push for Direct Accountability
Mayor Collins’s proposal to create an Economic Development Director as a city/county employee is fundamentally about increasing oversight and making the position directly answerable to taxpayers. By bringing the role “under the umbrella of the City of Marion,” the director would shift from being an external partner to a public employee.
This structural change would mean:
- Direct Supervision: The director would report to the Mayor and County Commissioners, allowing for day-to-day guidance, performance reviews, and alignment with the administration’s strategic goals.
- Budgetary Control: The $160,000 cost would be a direct line item in the city and county budgets, subject to the same public scrutiny and approval process as other government salaries.
- Public Accountability: Citizens and council members could hold the mayor and commissioners directly responsible for the director’s performance. This contrasts with the previous arm’s-length relationship with Can Do, where direct control over personnel and operations was limited.
Following the discussion, the council voted 6-1 to defeat the ordinance, with council members Barr, Laing, T. Smith, Prater, R. Smith, and Rollins voting no, paving the way for the administration to pursue the new model.
A Call for a Business Plan
Resident Terry Cline voiced a strong counter-argument, questioning the premise of making economic development a government function. His opposition was rooted in fiscal conservatism and a demand for a clear, strategic plan before committing public funds.
During his public comments, Mr. Cline laid out several key concerns:
- Government Inefficiency: He argued that government agencies are rarely self-sufficient and that entrepreneurs are the true drivers of growth.
- Lack of a Plan: His central challenge to the council was, “What is the business plan?” He called the idea of a single $160,000 employee working alone “insanity” and questioned what support staff and resources would be required, implying the total cost could escalate.
- Return on Investment: Mr. Cline warned that without a clear strategy, the city risked wasting money. He drew a parallel to the city’s past investment in Can Do, which he claimed cost over “$480,000” in 11 years with “nothing to show for it.”
Other Council Business
The council addressed several other key items, passing multiple pieces of legislation with emergency clauses to expedite their enactment:
- Fastenal Corporation: Council moved forward with a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreement for Fastenal, which plans to invest nearly $2 million in a new facility on West Fairground Street, creating new jobs.
- Opioid Settlements: Two resolutions were unanimously passed, allowing the city to accept the terms of new national opioid settlements and participate in the One Ohio memorandum of understanding.
- Senior Center Funding: The council unanimously approved appropriations for the Senior Center to purchase two new vehicles through a state and federal grant program and to replace two 40-year-old air conditioning units.
Community Updates
Marion Strong Town Party: Councilman Aaron Rollins reminded the public of the Marion Strong Town Party scheduled for August 23rd.
Ohio Galvanizing: Mayor Collins reported that the Ohio EPA has installed an air monitor near the Leader Street facility and is expected to release a report soon.
Path Projects: Phase two of the Lincoln Park path is nearly complete, and the city is awaiting a grant decision for phase three, which would connect it to the funded Leader Street path.
During the meeting, the council also saw the positive resolution of a citizen’s complaint. The issue involved trees on a resident’s property that were damaged during an excavation project by the utility company Aqua. After the resident sought help, the city’s Service Department hired an independent arborist to assess the situation. The arborist’s professional report confirmed the damage was severe enough to warrant the trees’ removal. This official recommendation was then forwarded to Aqua to ensure the company would take responsibility. A visibly relieved Ms. Evert later stood to address the council directly. “I just want to get up and thank everybody in this room for helping me,” she said. “I really appreciate it.” The moment highlighted a successful intervention by the city on behalf of one of its residents.
Marion Charter Commission Members (Unofficial)
The following individuals have been named to the Marion Charter Commission. Please note that these results are unofficial until they are certified by the Board of Elections. The commission is a diverse group of community members with a wide range of professions and civic involvement. This list was gathered from a very informative social media page “2025-26 City Charter Information Page: Marion, OH”
- Anthony A. Azaria: (Ward 6, None) – Paraprofessional at Marion City Schools / Democratic Candidate for Marion City Council
- Allison M. Barr: (Ward 5, None) – Social Worker at Marion County Children Services
- Gail A. Block: (Ward 5, Republican) – Retired from Amerigas Propane LP
- Bryant D. Brown: (Ward 6, Democratic) – Probation Officer at Marion Municipal Court
- Edward M. Brown: (Ward 6, Republican) – Lieutenant at Marion Police Department
- Terry S. Cline: (Ward 5, None) – Owner & Creator of the Industrial Channel
- Welcome “Bill” Collins: (Ward 6, Republican) – Mayor of the City of Marion / Former Chief of Marion Police Department
- Naomi R. Craig: (Ward 4, None) – Real Estate Investor / Community Activist
- Tara Dyer: (Ward 5, Democratic) – Member of Marion City School Board / Former Teacher
- Lois J. Fisher: (Ward 6, Republican) – Investor / Real Estate Developer
- James Bradley “BJ” Gruber II: (Ward 4, Republican) – Major/Operations Commander at Marion Police Department
- Christina L. Johnson: (Ward 5, None) – Manager at CVS
- Robert E. Landon III: (Ward 1, None) – Insurance Professional / Former Auditor for City of Marion / Former Member Marion City Council
- James D. Lloyd: (Ward 4, Republican) – Self-employed Consultant
- Brian L. Lovell: (Ward 5, Republican) – Deputy Sheriff at Marion County Sheriff’s Department / Resource Officer at Buckeye Community School
- Theresa A. Lubke: (Ward 6, None) – Donor Relations Manager at Marion Community Foundation / Democratic Candidate for Treasurer of Marion City
- Jason E. “Jay” McDonald: (Ward 6, Republican) – Chief at Marion Police Department
- Dylan M. Reese: (Ward 6, None) – Lieutenant at Marion Police Department
- Juanita Rosvanis: (Ward 2, None) – Security Screener at Marion Police Department
- Emily DH Russell: (Ward 5, Democratic) – Behavioral Healthcare Provider at OhioHealth
- Mark D. Russell: (Ward 6, Democratic) – Law Director at the City of Marion
- Jason L. Schaber: (Ward 3, Republican) – Farmer / Outgoing Member of Marion City Council
- John E. Shank: (Ward 6, Republican) – Director of Program Operations at TRECA
- Damion SM Shriver: (Ward 4, None) – Distribution Group Leader at Graphic Packaging International
- Malcolm C. Smith: (Ward 1, Republican) – Former Zoning/Compliance Inspector at the City of Marion
- Cara N. Stevens: (Ward 6, None) – School Counselor at Marion City Schools / Secretary of Marion County Democratic Club
- Thomas G. Stotts: (Ward 6, Republican) – Chief Probation Officer at Marion Municipal Court
- Brenda J. Westcott: (Ward 1, Democratic) – President of Marion County Democratic Club
Marion is clearly at a turning point, embracing a period of significant and proactive change. Last night’s council decision marks not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s approach to economic growth, one built on a foundation of direct accountability and public oversight.
While spirited debate highlights different perspectives on the best path forward, the underlying goal is universal: a more prosperous and vibrant Marion. This forward momentum is visible across the community—from new jobs and infrastructure investments to vital improvements for our seniors and expanding recreational paths.
Perhaps most tellingly, the city’s future is being actively shaped by its own citizens. With the formation of the new Charter Commission, which includes key voices from all sides of this important discussion, Marion is demonstrating a deep commitment to collaborative governance. This is a community not just talking about its future, but rolling up its sleeves to build it, together. The path ahead is one of purpose, engagement, and renewed opportunity.