The Marion Town Council met Monday evening with all members present except Debra Hayes and approved the agenda before opening a public hearing on the proposed FY27 budget. Town Manager Andrew Keen outlined expected revenue growth, noting that water service and meals tax remain the town’s primary revenue sources. With several new restaurants slated to open, officials hope to see continued increases in meals‑tax collections.
Keen reported that fund balances remain strong, including the town’s ARPA allocation, which is currently earning 3.35% interest. He emphasized that while the town does need to spend these funds, it must do so strategically. Some ARPA money has already been designated for the Callan Drive Recreational Park project.
Operational expenditure remains largely flat year over year, with personnel costs continuing to make up the largest share. The budget reflects an 11% increase in employee health‑insurance premiums, with the town covering approximately 86% of the total cost. Major expenditures include investments in the Callan Drive park, paving projects, and capital improvements such as an IBM payroll system, new police vehicles, fire department extraction tools, fleet replacements, snow‑removal equipment, and an asphalt recycler.
Keen highlighted several accomplishments, including the payoff of four loans and securing a $500,000 matching grant for the Callan Drive project. He said the town will continue aggressively pursuing grants, and that Fire–EMS staff are applying for funding on a daily basis.
During the hearing, Dr. Charles Wassum commended town crews for recent cleanup work on Althea Street. He asked whether the town receives revenue from the Bristol Casino and was told by Keen that only the county receives casino funds. Councilman Jim Gates added that the county has earmarked those revenues for EMS and safety‑education initiatives.
Wassum also asked whether the budget had been published in the newspaper. Keen said a synopsis had been printed, and Town Clerk Cyndi Stanley noted that the full budget appeared in the May 23 edition of Smyth County News. Wassum cautioned that federal grants often come with significant conditions, saying many residents might not realize “how deep those strings are.”
No additional public comments were offered, and the budget was formally turned over to council for consideration. Councilwoman Susie Jennings thanked Keen and staff for their work. Mayor Avery Cornett said council will vote on the budget later this month, Stanley added likely on June 15, following the required seven‑day minimum review period. Gates asked whether any changes were anticipated before the vote, and none were expected.
During the regular public comment period, business owner Luci Wolf addressed council regarding delays in opening Katie’s Café at 212 East Main Street. Wolf said she has purchased a home in Marion, signed a lease for the business, and has decades of experience. She outlined her revenue projections and said her plan includes offering commission opportunities to local artisans and creating jobs. Wolf said she has received no assistance from local programs and was told she would need to wait until October, despite other businesses receiving help. She added that another business in town is closing and had hoped increased foot traffic from her café would help sustain it.
Jennings asked whether new businesses are required to participate in the town’s pop‑up program. Keen clarified that the October program is a grant opportunity, not a prerequisite for opening. He said the town offers a low‑interest RBEG loan of up to $15,000, repayable over 60 months, and that businesses may open at any time. He offered to send Wolf additional information.
In council reports, Gates congratulated the Marion boys’ soccer team, which plays in the regional semifinals Tuesday, and the boys’ tennis team, which finished second in the region and advances to competition on Friday. Jennings welcomed Sip & Savor, a new business owned by Councilwoman Tricia Spencer on Iron Street, and said she recently met with Councilwoman Debra Hayes, who plans to run again in November. Atwell thanked public works employees for their efforts on Church Street. May announced that the first weekend of the “Caring for Our Community” service initiative begins Saturday and suggested organizing a cookout with Fire–EMS and police to show appreciation. Carter reported that District Three is surplussing older vehicles and purchasing replacements, noting that the Lynx buses accumulate mileage quickly. He praised work on Chestnut Street and encouraged residents to support local summer events, including Hungry Monthers baseball games and cruise‑ins.
In his mayor’s report, Cornett said he met with an engineering firm that is developing a more detailed plan for the Callan Drive Recreational Property. He thanked those involved in the recent Letters From Home performance and Memorial Day events, including VFW Post 4667 and Dr. Gates, who organized the parade. Despite rain, attendance was strong. Cornett praised the courthouse lawn flag display and encouraged continued community support for veterans’ programs. He also urged residents to attend local baseball games and volunteer during the June 6 and 13 “Caring for Our Community” workdays. Cornett commended Marion High School students for their performances of The Beverly Hillbillies, calling the shows excellent entertainment and a valuable way to support local schools.
Carter added additional updates on local sports.
Town Attorney Mark Fenyk reported that the ongoing code update is nearing completion, with fewer than 100 pages remaining out of the original four to five hundred. Planning and Zoning Director Todd Long added ordinance updates are progressing, with about 50 pages left. He has spent four months on the project in conjunction with Fenyk and said the final version will include cross‑references to state code for easier navigation.
Long also presented an application for a special‑use permit for Roadrunner/Skills Games. The owner, who lives in Florida, must sign the application before it can be processed. Council voted to schedule a public hearing for July 6, allowing time for required advertising.
In the town manager’s report, Keen said representatives from CHA Engineering in Richmond recently walked the Callan Drive site and reviewed potential options. They will narrow those ideas to two proposals and return in August to present them to council for adoption of a master plan. Keen also reported that the final batch of water meters have been ordered and will soon be installed and activated on the radio‑read system.
Cornett thanked Keen for his work and said council is proud of his leadership and will continue to support him. No closed session was held. Carter concluded the meeting by noting several upcoming summer events.
