City Council - Audio/Presentation - 6.2.26

The City Council of Marion, Iowa, held a work session on June 2, 2026, focusing primarily on the presentation and discussion of the city's 5-year technology strategic plan developed with consulting firm Barry Dunn. The plan identified key technology investment areas including governance, workforce capacity, core systems modernization, integration, data infrastructure, and public safety, with a phased implementation roadmap over five years. Council members discussed staffing hours and cost estimates related to the plan. Additionally, the council reviewed proposed updates to the city's schedule of fees effective July 1, 2026, including utility rate increases, fire inspection fees, sign permit fees, and ice rink rental fees. A significant policy discussion centered on proposed commercial fire inspection fees and whether educational and nonprofit facilities should receive fee exemptions or discounts, with council members weighing cost recovery against community impact. The council also gave consensus approval to allocate $20,000 from hotel motel funds for holiday lighting replacements and enhancements. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn to a closed session regarding litigation and confidential records.