As we embark on a new year, City Council and city staff have already begun their work on ensuring that projects and city operations continue to serve the public well. Here are some of the city’s priorities for 2026:

Completion of The Splash, the city’s new aquatic center that is currently being constructed, is a top priority for this year. The city has made great progress with the pools and slides as well as mechanical and concession building construction. We will await the spring thaw to fully complete the pool area foundation with concrete and ensure that all mechanical features are up and running. We are hoping for a mid-summer opening of The Splash.

The city will continue to improve street infrastructure that not only includes the surface, but water, sewer and stormwater conveyance. One street project will be North High Street from North 4th Street to Oak Street, and sanitary sewer replacement in the alley between North 5th Street to North 6th Street. All utilities will be replaced, including watermain, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer within the areas identified above. An additional street project is the reconstruction of S. 5th Street from approximately 300-FT west of W. Main Street to W. Saratoga Street. Reconstruction includes the intersection of W. Saratoga Street and S. 5th Street, and work items include curb and gutter, driveway approaches, and sidewalks. Underground utility work includes sanitary sewer main and services, water main and services, and storm sewer replacement.

Our Wastewater department have identified numerous segments of public sewer main that would be good candidates for cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) lining improvements. The CIPP method is a trenchless “structural lining” that avoids a complete street reconstruction for sewer pipe improvements thereby reducing costs while also providing a watertight, smooth for excellent flow, and structural sound pipe.

Park projects continue to be a focus and with the help of community donations, the city will install inclusive playground equipment at Freedom Park and install a new playground at the softball complex near Channel Parkway. In addition, with large donations from the Marshall Area Baseball Association, Legion Field spectator seating will be improved with a viewing platform along the left field baseline as well as visiting team dugout improvements and bathroom renovations that were sorely needed.

One larger park project will be starting work on redesigning a new bandshell. The bandshell, constructed in 1951, is in poor condition. Redevelopment of the bandshell and improving its accessibility aligns with the City’s previous investments in permanent restrooms and trails, ensuring the park remains a hub for high-quality and safe outdoor experiences.

Completion of the Southview trail that was started in 2025, and development of a new trail install from Jewett Street to Main Street (along Lyon Street) will occur in 2026. The Lyon Street trail project will move the existing trail from on-street to off-street and be a safety improvement. Both trail improvements were funded by grants and are not dependent on local property taxes.

The city continues to discuss child care and has recently enlisted the help of a child care business partnership organization to propel the discussion into some possible, workable solutions. A small work group will convene early this year to take those next steps in exploring all options.

With tight city budgeting and the desire to keep property taxes low, city staff will continue to look at outside sources of revenue and expenditure efficiencies. This means applying and securing grants that align with our core services and priorities. Concurrently, we also want to ensure that state funding is not reduced by actively lobbying our Legislature.

In addition to ensuring that we secure our state revenue, we will also want to actively lobby the Legislature on protecting our ability to govern local issues. The city operates under Home Rule, which means we have the Constitutional right to make local decisions at the local level – closest to those affected and tailored to fit unique conditions, needs, and concerns. Recently the focus has been on limiting planning and zoning at the local level to promote state goals with respect to housing. While we can all agree with the need for more housing, different areas have distinct needs, and challenges that require specific, tailored strategies rather than one-size-fits-all, state-wide approach.

Finally, this is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The city has begun to meet with the Marshall Convention Visitors Bureau as well as the Lyon County Museum to plan for enhanced 4th of July celebration as well as some other activities throughout the upcoming months leading up to the 4th of July.

The city remains committed to maintaining reliable day-to-day operations while continuing to advance important projects that serve the community. City leadership and staff remain focused on delivering essential services, responsibly managing resources, and making steady progress on initiatives that support residents’ needs and the community’s long-term priorities.

— Sharon Hanson is the city administrator for the city of Marshall