The Marion Town Council moved swiftly through a full agenda Monday night, approving the FY 2026–27 budget, hearing updates on public safety and infrastructure, and taking public comment on waterway conditions and fire hydrant pressure concerns. All council members were present.
Public Presentations
The meeting opened with a presentation from Beverly Haddock of the Smyth Animal Rescue and Resource Center and the Smyth County Humane Society. Haddock requested $5,000 in town support for the coming year, emphasizing the organization’s mission to rescue and rehome animals—primarily those entering the Smyth County Animal Shelter, which the group operates under contract with the county.
Town Manager Andrew Keen presented the budget for consideration by council.
Council member Gates moved to adopt the FY 2026–27 budget. The roll‑call vote was unanimous.
Public Comment: Waterway Safety and Fire Hydrant Concerns
LucI Wolf addressed council about the condition of local waterways, describing glass, metal, and debris in areas where she takes her children. She also raised concerns about the town’s GIS map showing several fire hydrants listed at 0 PSI.
Gates asked Public Works Director Tony Muncy to clarify the status of hydrant replacement under the town’s Capital Improvement and Replacement Program (CIRP). Muncy reported that newly replaced hydrants show, on average, a 20% increase in pressure compared to the old ones.
Additional information on this was provided to Three County news as follows:
Town Manager Keen explained that hydrants showing 0 PSI on the GIS map are those scheduled for replacement in upcoming CIRP phases. These hydrants will be taken offline and replaced with new units, which will then undergo pressure testing. The GIS system will be updated to reflect accurate PSI readings and will include color‑coded indicators for clarity. All hydrants replaced to date are showing normal pressure.
Dr. Wassum offered enthusiastic suggestions for celebrating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, including recognizing notable local historical figures. He highlighted Arthur Campbell, who lived in Royal Oak, as someone who should be commemorated in Marion’s observances.
Council Reports
Atwell reported on the Planning Commission meeting and encouraged residents to use the Comprehensive Plan input tab on the town website to submit feedback over the coming months.
May thanked Keen and his staff for their work supporting Back of the Dragon activities.
The Mayor praised the recent Caring For Our Community volunteer workdays, noting 79 volunteers at the first event. He also reminded residents of this weekend’s Juneteenth celebrations and announced Town Hall will be closed for the holiday.
Jennings added that the Lincoln Theatre will host a Juneteenth‑related event featuring Scrapper Broady.
Town Attorney Mark Fenyk noted that the Commissioner of Accounts is seeking to sell four delinquent‑tax properties within town limits.
Public Safety Updates
Marion Fire Chief Keesling reported that three firefighters have earned new certifications. Fire trucks will participate in Touch‑A‑Truck events Friday and Saturday.
Police Chief Testerman provided updates on ongoing officer training.
The mayor thanked Public Works for their continued efforts.
Jennings asked whether volunteers who plant flowers along Main Street could receive help from the town with watering. Keen said he is reviewing options.
Town Manager’s Report: ARPA Spending and Regional Cooperation
Keen briefed council on opportunities to spend down remaining ARPA funds, focusing on the need to replace the town’s aging financial software. The county is transitioning to a new system, Edmunds, and the town has received a competitive $131,800 onboarding quote to join the same platform. Once implemented, the ongoing cost will be similar to what the town currently pays, with improved access to shared data such as tax records.
The mayor said the proposal appeared to meet sole‑source procurement criteria. Fenyk noted that sole‑source purchases require additional documentation. After discussion—including questions from Carter about potential complications if the Commissioner of the Revenue or Treasurer chose not to use the same software—Keen confirmed the town would not be adversely affected. This confirmation stems from detailed discussions taking place about the software implementation involving all offices concerned.
The mayor moved to approve the appropriation for the Edmunds software, Jennings seconded, and the vote was unanimous.
Keen also discussed Marion’s participation in Smyth 12, a regional roundtable exploring the formation of a Regional Industrial Facilities Authority (RIFA). Such an authority would allow towns and the county to jointly invest in—and share revenue from—economic development projects. Jennings asked how this differs from the EDA; Keen explained that RIFAs allow direct financial participation and revenue sharing based on each locality’s percentage of investment.
Council member Larry Carter raised concerns about faded or missing road markings on major streets and asked whether the town is specifying top‑grade materials. Council approved a vendor and cost for line painting after Atwell moved to award a bid.
Keen thanked council for supporting his participation in local government conferences and reported on topics discussed there. He also announced a June 30 meeting at 4:30 p.m. to close the fiscal year’s books.
