Written by Following our recent coverage of proposed budget cuts at Marionwatch.com, Mayor Bill Collins has issued a formal address to the community. In a “Fiction vs. Fact” breakdown, the Mayor is attempting to clear the air regarding the city’s $8.8 million deficit and the state-mandated recovery plan currently in motion.
If you’ve been following the news of looming service cuts and fee hikes, here is the breakdown of where the city says your money is going—and why they say they need more of it.
The “Missing” $8 Million
The biggest rumor circulating is that $8 million was either stolen or simply vanished.
- The City’s Stance: According to the Mayor, the money isn’t “missing.” Instead, 13 different city funds have been overspending for years without being “reimbursed” by the General Fund.
- The Reality: While no one is being accused of theft, the Ohio Auditor of State has officially placed Marion under a “Declaration of Fiscal Caution” as of October 2025. The money was spent, but the city didn’t have the revenue to cover those specific accounts.
Tax Credits and Rate Hikes
Residents have likely noticed a push to change how they are taxed. The Mayor clarified two major points:
- Repealing Tax Credits: The city wants to get rid of a 50% tax credit for residents who work outside of Marion. They argue this is not a “new” tax, but rather a return to the original 2012 income tax rules approved by voters.
- Utility Increases: Sanitation rates haven’t moved in 12 years, and storm sewer rates haven’t changed since 2017. To close the gap, a $3.00 flat-rate increase for sanitation is on the table, along with potential increases to sewer rates.
What’s Being Cut?
To save money, the city is looking at significant changes to daily services:
- Curbside Recycling: The administration is proposing to eliminate curbside recycling entirely, which they estimate would save about $435,775 per year.
- Marion Transit: While the Mayor insists transit will not be eliminated, fares are expected to rise to $2.00 per ride to offset costs that have been stagnant for 15 years.
The New Fire Station is on Hold
Many residents have asked why the city is building a new fire station if it’s “broke.”
- The Mayor stated that the money collected from the Fire Levy is legally protected and can only be used for the fire department—it cannot be used to pay off the $8.8 million deficit.
- The Catch: While the city has already bought the land (the former Rite Aid and Kimmel Cleaners sites), they cannot afford to borrow the rest of the money needed to actually build the station right now. The project is officially on hold.
The Bottom Line
Marion is currently under a State-Mandated Financial Recovery Plan. The Mayor maintains that these “unpopular” decisions—raising fares, cutting recycling, and removing tax credits—are necessary to prevent a total financial collapse.
As we continue our coverage on Marionwatch.com, we want to hear from you. How will the loss of curbside recycling or the transit fare increase affect your household?
