A Vote Yes is a Responsible Investment in Marion

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, Linn County voters will be asked to approve a 10-year extension to the local-option sales tax (LOST). Marion Economic Development Corporation and its board of directors believes a YES vote is a responsible way to invest in the future of our community. This is not a new tax, just an extension of the 1% sales tax that is already collected in Linn County.

Ballot language for the City of Marion proposes to spend 70 percent of the dollars on street and infrastructure improvements and the remaining 30 percent on other important community assets. Extending LOST is a responsible way to cash flow projects compared to using only debt. This saves property taxpayers millions in interest payments over 10 years. Because of the way revenues are shared across the county, the City of Marion receives $1.36 in sales tax revenue for every $1 that is collected in our community. This means that 35 percent of the revenue received by the City of Marion comes from outside our community.

All voters are encouraged to learn more about the LOST extension by visiting www.voteyesmarion.org or www.cityofmarion.org/lost.

Being the best place in Iowa to raise a family and grow a business takes continued public investment in infrastructure and important community assets. On Nov. 2, the MEDCO board of directors encourages a yes vote for Public Measure H, the extension of the local-option sales tax.

Nick Glew, president

Marion Economic Development Corporation