by Mari Radtke
A public hearing for the proposed Marcus City tax levy for the 2027 fiscal year budget was set for Monday April 13, 2026 at 5:00pm in the Council Chambers. If approved, this levy represents the most the city can levy against property.
Also on the agenda a resolution to adopt the Marcus Urban Revitalization Plan. The plan is essentially unchanged with the exception being a state mandated change. The state now requires that commercial property have a minimum assessment to qualify for Urban Revitalization benefits.
A grant application to Siouxland Regional Transportation Planning association for funding for Transportation Alternative Program Projects received council support. The grant application is for the Marcus Trails.
Discussion about a new water billing format was had. Post cards will no longer work. A full sized page will be required. While it will cost more, City Clerk Robin Harvey said it would also provide her with an opportunity to remind citizens of various important dates.
Mayor Pat Bunt notified council that the Cherokee County mayor met. Cherokee mayor, Tony Puffet expressed his desire for other cities in Cherokee County to assess a $44 per ton tipping fee for trash collection. Currently the expense is imposed on commercial collection. According to Bunt, Puffet asked that the tipping fee also be assessed to residential. As Bunt explained the proposal is for each city to accept a $44 per ton tipping fee and apply the cost to residents in some way. The proposal is not fully thought out and a July 1 start with city budgets so deep in the process that date doesn’t seem feasible.