Utility fee increase too much for businesses

The city of Marion is in the process of changing its stormwater utility fee (which has been a flat fee of $3.50 per month for all property owners).

Commercial property owners: Pay special attention. Your properties, including roofs, parking lots, sidewalks and grounds will be calculated and you will pay accordingly, actually being penalized for concrete or asphalt parking lots. There already have been projected estimates received by some Marion property owners that are close to $20,000 annually, and a tremendous number of properties in the range of $1,000 to $6,000. Every commercial property in Marion city limits will be affected drastically.

If this passes, what will stop this City Council from raising the fees every year? We pay a tremendous amount of property taxes in Marion as it is and we don't need any more. We pay a 1 percent sales tax implemented to repair and maintain the sewer systems and now they still want more money.

We are in the middle of one of the worst recessions we have seen in modern times and we do not have the resources to continue to pay all these added taxes. How are we ever going to attract new business to this city with the property taxes and all these other expenses going on?

There is a city council meeting concerning this issue at 7 p.m. tonight at City Hall, 1225 Sixth Ave. Plan to attend if possible. Let them know how you feel about this.

Norman Young

God Speed

Automotive

Marion