Marion's 2020 Vision Mayor calls meeting to discuss city's strategic plan

MARION - A special City Council meeting has been called for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept, 3 at Marion City Hall to discuss 2020 Vision, Mayor Mike Absher's and the council's strategic plans for the next 12 to 18 months.

Five goals were outlined by Absher and commissioners Doug Patton, John M. Barwick Jr., Jim Webb and John Stoecklin:

• Citywide revitalization with a focus on beautification, signing and branding "to better present ourselves to those that visit us".

• Economic development tools, including what's after TIF" to redevelop blighted areas of town after tax-increment financing districts expire.

• Posting uniformed sworn police officers in the remaining six schools in Marion Unit 2.

• Code enforcement reform.

• Position Marion and marketing the city aggressively to those who might seek to live here and bring jobs here. Proposals include a three-quarter of a cent increase in sales tax and in turn eliminate 100% of property taxes on real estate in the city. Pamphlets outlining further details of 2020 Vision were made available at the City Council meeting and will be posted on the city's website.