Improvements are on their way to a pair of sports facilities at Indian Foothills Park by way of a loan agreement reviewed Tuesday, Aug. 19 by the Marshall City Council.

The council passed a resolution acknowledging the Marshall Parks and Recreation Department’s loan agreement with two area banks totaling $2 million to fund a number of improvements, including to Osage Field and a rebuilt parks office. The resolution stipulates that the loan shall be repaid exclusively from Park Fund revenues, and that the city will not assume liability for the loan’s repayment. Mayor Craig Thompson says he’s looking forward to the improvements.

While a number of council members expressed concern about the financials, as well as items still pending on the park system’s master plan, all seven council members in attendance voted to approve the resolution.

Later in the meeting, fourth ward councilman Harold Simmons mentioned a text he received from a resident that said that kids don’t have anything to do in town. Thompson acknowledged the issue, noting the consolidation of three elementary schools into the new intermediate school. He adds that the council and park board are hoping to expand the city’s offerings.

Also at Tuesday night’s meeting, the Marshall City Council set the tax rate for 2025, with no public comment received during a hearing at the beginning of the meeting. All four funds will experience a reduction (see below) of nearly 14 percent.

The council also approved a change order with Kramer Service for several USDA Conduit Contracts, as well as gave first reading to an ordinance amending the testing requirements for master plumbers licensed to work in Marshall.

City of Marshall Property Tax Rates for 2025