With roughly two weeks left in the fiscal year, Ward 2 Councilman Kirk Arends reported the city of Marshall’s finances are looking pretty good.
During the city council meeting on Monday, September 17, Arends said the numbers are shaping up to be positive.

Arends said next-year’s budget includes an increase in trash rates for Marshall households.

Arends also said several line items have been added to next year’s proposed budget- including for replacement of equipment at the fire and police departments; a development line item targeted toward the demolition work that is going to be needed at the property formerly known as the Marshall Habilitation Center and a new subdivision; and $50,000 for sidewalks. He said “The plan is to add sidewalks throughout the city, so our city can be more of a walking environment.” Arends said the city also will be able to give city workers a 3-percent pay increase.
On the downside, Arends said the city was not able to negotiate a deal with the Saline County 9-1-1 Center to pull back the police dispatching after being gone eight to nine years. He said: “Based off their limited budget, the amount of money they would have to charge us on top of the half-cent sales tax, and our limited budget, it didn’t make financial sense for us or them. Maybe that will change, but at this point, we’re going to continue to keep dispatch the way it is at the police department.”
The council approved a special meeting to close out the city’s financial year to be held at noon on Friday, September 28.