Despite voters giving thumbs-down to a 2017 ballot question on hiring a county administrator, commissioners decided in a split vote Monday to create the position anyway. The non-binding 2017 advisory vote whether to hire an administrator was 1,192 opposed and 962 in favor. Before commissioner Randy Dallke arrived at Monday’s meeting, chairman Dianne Novak said she believes the county needs an administrator. Commissioner Kent Becker agreed, then Novak made a motion to approve a resolution — not written yet — to hire an administrator. Becker seconded Novak’s motion. Dallke entered the commission room as the motion was made and seconded and [...]

The doors of an embattled countywide economic development corporation funded by the county and cities are officially locked and the shutters are closed. Marion County Community Economic Development Corp. board members, left with one remaining board member as of the end of this month, voted Tuesday to dissolve the corporation effective Dec. 31, and disburse remaining money. Cities will get a full refund and the county will get a partial refund. Board members Jared Jost, Hannah Bourbon, and chairman Clint Seibel all resigned during the November meeting. Merlyn Entz and Darin Neufeld both resigned Tuesday. That leaves Lloyd Meier the only [...]

County commissioners tentatively agreed to a redistricting plan creating five commission districts Monday, but did not take formal action to approve the plan until after they hear from the public. Two new commissioners will be needed for the unassigned districts. Commission chairman Dianne Novak produced the proposal and said she met with Marion and Hillsboro administrators to make sure they are happy with the recommendation. Marion mayor Todd Heitschmidt, however, said different. The map divides both Marion and Hillsboro into two separate districts. “I think all of us are concerned about the island part with the north half of Marion,” Heitschmidt [...]