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Clarifying investments

To the editor:

Over the past weeks there have been several letters containing misrepresented information, or in some cases, simply not true. While it is not possible to address every topic in this space, I will provide some clarification and offer a suggestion to get accurate answers to questions.

I am honored to have served as mayor of Marshall for the past 25 years and over those years Marshall has invested in the infrastructure of this growing community. The results of those investments are numerous.

We have an electrical distribution system that has a greater than 99 per cent reliability thanks to the investment in the underground system along with multiple power sources providing power to the city.

We have a reliable and adequate water supply for our residents and for the value added agricultural processing industries in the city. The most recent investment was the completion of the connection to the Sandness well field.

The investments in the electrical and water distribution systems account for the largest portion of the city bonded debt, which is paid by the users of water and electricity. Thanks to decisions made two decades ago, electric costs declined in 2016 and the reduced costs have been passed on to the customers.

The storm water and sanitary sewer systems have been rebuilt so streets do not flood and sewage does not back up into basements which common in some communities and did occur in Marshall prior to this investment. Flood control was accomplished successfully by a method where river flow coming into the community is no greater that the flow leaving the community. The cost for these improvements is part of the city total bonded debt, which is financed at low interest rates and is scheduled to be fully paid within 10 years. The cost of not making these investments would have resulted in unsafe conditions and limited opportunity for growth.

We have expanded our shovel ready industrial development properties so industries can expand, retain and create jobs. Most recent expansions include Ralco, Runnings and Action Industries in the Commerce Industrial Park.

Our streets are upgraded and maintained, and safety concerns on Highway 23 have been addressed. The Saratoga Street Highway 23 reduced conflict intersection has proven successful and MnDOT plans similar improvements at the Lyon Street and County Road 7 intersections.

Marshall has made these investments while maintaining a nearly flat property tax rate over the last decade and attaining one of the highest financial ratings possible.

Marshall’s economy continues to be strong. Retail sales tax receipts were higher in 2016 than the previous year. Building permits for 2016 totaled nearly $22 million with nearly all of the total coming from private sector investments and more projects are planned by the private sector in the 2017 construction season.

The city Municipal Liquor store, Tall Grass Liquor, showed a 16 per cent increase in sales in 2016. The liquor fund will contribute $225,000 to the city general fund this year, which helps keep the property tax rate level. In addition to the annual contribution to the city’s general budget, the liquor fund previously contributed a million dollars to support the construction of the library. Prior contributions from the fund have been for flood control and extension of the airport runway.

Marshall has an outstanding fire department staffed by excellent volunteers. The quality department is important for public safety and helps control insurance rates. We recently replaced the 38-year-old doors with new doors that allow the public to see and take pride in the department equipment.

Marshall has many good things happening. However, as city leaders, we have not done a good enough job sharing this information. To improve this, we are enhancing the city web page and will be adding a FAQ section where questions can be asked and correct answers provided. Visit the city website at ci.marshall.mn.us .We have much to be thankful for and I take great pride in Marshall and Southwest Minnesota.

Bob Byrnes, mayor

Marshall

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