Hosts: Cody Higgley, Jason Foreman, Robert Landon

Special Guest: Councilman Ron Prater (6th Ward)

The Watchmen’s Report broadcast on December 9, 2025, provided a detailed breakdown of the Marion City Council meeting held the previous evening. The panel—hosts Cody Higgley, Jason Foreman, and Robert Landon—was joined by a familiar face to Marion Watch followers: 6th Ward Councilman Ron Prater.

A recurring guest and “friend of the show,” Prater has established himself as a voice for “common sense” conservatism on Council. With an eight-year background in the banking sector, Prater brings a critical eye to the city’s ledger—a skill that proved vital during this broadcast’s deep dive into the 2026 budget crisis. As he has shared in previous appearances, Prater’s entry into public service was never about political ambition or a paycheck; rather, he was motivated to run after witnessing the “defund the police” movements and administrative chaos that plagued other cities during the pandemic. His goal remains singular: to stabilize Marion’s economy and safety so that the next generation—including his own son—won’t be forced to leave their hometown to find opportunity.

With Prater providing the insider perspective, the group unpacked a heavy night of city business, ranging from significant changes to city code to a shocking revelation regarding the city’s financial software.

1. Commercial Building Code: A 12-Month Trial

The show opened with the Council’s passage of a new commercial building codes department.

• The Debate: The proposal drew mixed reactions. Developers like Luke Henry and Josh Daniels supported it, arguing that a local third-party inspector would cut through the “red tape” of state inspections and speed up renovation projects. Conversely, property owner Brad Belcher argued that it adds a layer of bureaucracy, higher costs, and a double appeals process without guaranteeing efficiency.

• The Outcome: Councilman Prater admitted he wavered on the vote but ultimately supported it due to a crucial amendment: a 12-month review period. If the system proves inefficient or burdensome by late 2026, the Council has the power to scrap it.

2. Elected Official Pay: Council Waits, Treasurer Paid

Council voted to amend a 2023 ordinance regarding pay raises.

• Council Pay Frozen: Council members voted to delay their own $3,000 pay increase—originally set for 2026—until January 2028.

• Treasurer Exception: The delay does not apply to the incoming City Treasurer, Vidya Lyengar. She will receive the raise in 2026, bringing the salary to roughly $12,000.

• Rationale: The panel agreed that while the “optics” might seem uneven, the Treasurer’s role is vital for navigating the city’s current fiscal crisis. Prater noted that Vidya Lyengar, a former Credit Union CEO, brings necessary financial expertise that justifies the expense.

3. Budget Crisis & “Night Moves” Cancellation

The city’s “fiscal caution” status drove significant cuts and strategy shifts.

• Quarterly Budget Strategy: Instead of an annual budget, the Council approved a quarterly budget (January–March 2026). Sponsored by Prater, Twilight Lang, and Ralph Smith, this move allows the city to keep the lights on while the administration and State Auditor finalize a recovery plan.

• Transit Cuts: The “Night Moves” evening bus service was cut. The panel highlighted the service’s inefficiency, noting it cost the city $10 per mile to operate with an average of only six riders fleet-wide.

• Alternative Solution: The group discussed a suggestion by Councilman Ralph Smith: rather than a dedicated night service, the city could potentially shift the hours of one daytime bus to cover later shifts, offering a compromise for second-shift workers.

4. The “New World” Software Bombshell

The centerpiece of the broadcast was Mayor Bill Collins’ revelation regarding the city’s financial software, “New World Systems.”

• “It Never Worked”: Mayor Collins reported that the Auditor of State explicitly told city officials that the New World software “will never work” and likely never has worked since its 2009 installation.

• Marion Watch Vindicated: The hosts emphasized that this admission validates years of Marion Watch investigation and recent reporting on the “Silent Sabotage.” Our articles on marionwatch.com have long detailed how this broken software created a “garbage in, garbage out” scenario, making accurate financial reporting impossible.

• Forensic Audit & Replacement: Judging by recent events technology and finance proessionals witin Marion Watch believe that the city is moving toward a full forensic IT audit, as recommeded by Marion Watch, to determine the extent of the failure. They plan to transition to “Software Solutions,” an Ohio-based provider, a move also recommended by Marion Watch. Host Robert Landon noted he had explored this cheaper, more reliable option ($17,000/year vs. New World’s higher fees) back in 2020, further vindicating his past efforts as Auditor.

5. Media Silence & Political Commentary

• Media Critique: The team noted that other local media outlets have largely ignored the explosive “New World” software admission. They questioned why the “left-wing media” in Marion refuses to cover a story that impacts every taxpayer, suggesting a bias in what gets reported.

• “Common Sense” Leadership: In a lighter segment, Councilman Prater and the hosts discussed the value of “common sense” over pure intellect in leadership, referencing figures like Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson as examples of relatable communicators who prioritize practical solutions.

Closing: A Turning Point for Truth

As the broadcast concluded, the mood shifted from analysis to determination. For the Watchmen’s Report team, the night wasn’t just about reporting the news—it was about witnessing the truth finally come to light. The city’s admission regarding the “New World” software failure marks a pivotal moment, validating years of relentless investigation by Marion Watch into the “Silent Sabotage” of Marion’s finances.

Councilman Prater ended his appearance with a solemn pledge: to ensure the forensic audit is completed and to see the city’s financial ship righted within the next two years. “I just want to be here to see this turn around,” Prater stated, emphasizing that stability is the precursor to the growth and beauty Marion deserves.

The work, however, is just beginning. The team urged viewers to tune in the following night for a discussion with Bobbie Walker and Councilman Ralph Smith, continuing the deep dive into the solutions needed to fix the mess.