Staff writer
Emergency Management Director Dan D’Albini reported Monday to Marion County Commission that it is likely that the county communications department will not be moved into the jail until Jan. 1.
D’Albini and Sheriff Robert Craft had previously reported that the jail could be operational by August. The disparity stems from the tower quandary.
A Marion Zoning Board of Appeals meeting was scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 6 to discuss Marion City Administrator Doug Kjellin’s administrative decision, which granted a conditional use permit to build a 92-foot communications tower.
Even if the board upholds Kjellin’s actions, there would be another 30-day waiting period before ground could be broken for the tower, Oct. 10. If there is another appeal, the issue will be taken to district court, D’Albini said.
D’Albini and commissioners agreed that the issue was out of their hands.
“Right now it’s just the city fighting with the city,” D’Albini said.
In other business:
- After a short county budget hearing, the commission approved the budget for 2013. Commissioners approved a 1.5-percent tax increase proposed on July 31.
- Commissioners approved beginning the tax foreclosure process on the former Holiday Motel in Florence. Someone has expressed interest in the property, Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman reported Aug. 13. The registered owners no longer live in the county and owe about $30,000 in back property taxes.
- The commission approved a bid from D & L Enterprises of Marion for work on a fence at Marion County Park and Lake. The commission agreed to pay for $2,951 in liability and workers’ compensation insurance. The total bid is $16,751.
- The county burn ban was extended another week.