City of Marion Council Meeting video September 28th 2026

The City of Marion, Illinois, held a council meeting on September 28, 2026, where several procurement and budget-related matters were discussed. The council approved the fiscal year 2027 TIF grant applications, supporting local economic development projects. They also approved the renewal of the city's employee health insurance coverage through Hope Trust for 2027, including the addition of two new health plans, with an approximate 5% premium increase. Additionally, the council approved the annual renewal of the retiree Medicare supplement plan with Benestar, which included an 11.4% rate increase. A significant policy discussion and resolution were adopted supporting the SH Mental Health and Development Center, urging the state to reverse planned layoffs and divestment in mental health services in Southern Illinois. The council also passed ordinances establishing licensing and enforcement requirements for the retail sale of tobacco, nicotine, electronic smoking devices, and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including provisions for local licensing fees to fund additional law enforcement resources. These measures aim to regulate and enforce compliance in retail sales, particularly to prevent underage access to these products. No new capital projects or vendor contract awards were noted during the meeting.