Boost to official Marion population count to bring in thousands in revenue

MARION - A census of some of Marion's annexed neighborhoods has wrapped up, with city officials projecting an extra $470,000 in state funds over five years because of the population boost.

In March, the city requested an updated housing and population count in areas that were annexed after the 2010 census, including Brookside, North 10th Street and Alburnett Road, to increase road use and Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funding, both tied to a city's population.

The results of the U.S. Census Bureau's Geographically Updated Population Certification Program brings Marion's population up to 35,163 and its housing count to 15,213. That's an increase of about 400 people and 150 homes, which is projected to bring an additional $470,000 to city coffers over the next five years. This includes $215,000 from the Road Use Tax and $255,000 from the LOST.

Marion has designated 70 percent of LOST funding go toward infrastructure improvements and the other 30 percent toward community improvement.

Amanda Kaufman, assistant to the city manager, said the population certification review costed $2,039, resulting in a return on investment of more than $230 for every $1 invested.

The program is separate from the partial special census, a mid-decade census that will count areas of high growth and development in Marion beginning in early 2016, Kaufman said.

Dave Hockett, the assistant planning and development director, estimates the partial census will add between 400 and 600 to the population. The partial census is estimated to cost $134,000 and city officials estimate Marion will increase revenue, after costs, by about $700,000 through the rest of the decade.

The partial special census, which is less expensive than a complete special census because it only covers portions of the city that experienced high growth, will count population in areas of 29th Avenue, west of 31st Street and north of Highway 100 and other portions of the city where there has been housing development, Kaufman said.

Results of the partial special census are anticipated about six months after it begins, she said.

Marion last requested a special census in 1995 when it saw the city's population increase by 2,700 people to 23,105.