Welcome to Marion!
We are pleased you have chosen Marion as your place of residence. We're sure you'll find Marion a great place to live, work and raise a family.
It is our hope that the answers to the following Frequently Asked Questions will be of benefit to new (and perhaps a few not-so-new) residents. Follow any of the links below to access further information or use the "next" and "previous" arrows on any of the pages.
If this guide fails to answer your question, please feel free to either search our web site or send an e-mail and we will point you in the right direction.
More Community Links, Please!
Property Tax Information
Where do I sign up for Homestead Exemption?
You can sign up for Homestead Exemption at the Linn County Assessor's Office in Cedar Rapids. (930 1st St. S.W., 892-5220)
Where do I pay property taxes?
Property taxes are paid through the Linn County Treasurer's Office in Cedar Rapids. (930 1st St. S.W., 892-5550)
School District Information
Information as to the location of school district boundaries is available by contacting either of the public school districts that serve Marion:
Marion Independent School District at 377-1585
Linn-Mar Community School District at 377-7373
The school districts can also provide information on specific school facilities, test scores and other questions related to education.
Metro Area Library Network
The Marion Public Library is a part of the Metro Area Library Network. This network includes Marion, Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha. 
If you are bookworm, you love being able to browse and make requests over the Metro Area Library Network catalog from home.
The Marion Public Library is located at 1095 Sixth Avenue (directly behind City Square Park in downtown) and houses a vast collection of fiction and non-fiction (adult, young adult and children), videos, DVDs, audio recordings, books on tape and much more. To reach the library, phone 377-3412.
Library cards issued by the Marion Public Library can be used at any of the metro area locations and materials at all locations can be reserved and picked up here in Marion (or the most convenient location within the network).
Crime Prevention
Does the City have crime prevention programs?
Yes, the Marion Police Department offers a wide variety of crime prevention and community relations programs. These programs are aimed at reducing crime, increasing safety awareness and building a stronger sense of community. To receive additional information, phone the Police Department at 377-1511 or send an email message.
Is there a way for me to anonymously report a suspicious activity in my neighborhood?
Yes, in 2000, the Police Department implemented a Drug Hotline to be used for confidential information of drug or other suspicious activity. Simply phone 373-3258 and the matter can then be investigated.
The hotline features:
- Confidentiality
- No Caller ID
- 24-hour, 7-day operator
The department guarantees that no attempt will be made to identify callers.
Block Parties
Can I get special permission to close off a street for a block party or change parking restrictions for a limited time period?
In most cases, the City may allow streets to be closed for block parties and parking restrictions to be changed for special events.
A Hold Harmless Agreement must be completed at least one week in advance of the event. There is no fee associated with this service. Forms may be picked up at City Hall, 1225 6th Avenue, or a printable copy (PDF) is available on this web site.
For more information, contact the City Manager's Office at 743-6301 during regular business hours.
Discounts for City Services
The City of Marion offers reduced solid waste fees to senior citizens as well as certain other fee reductions for low-income families.
Persons age 65 or older are eligible for a 50% reduction in refuse fees. Interested persons may sign up for this program at the Water Department in City Hall, 1225 6th Avenue.
Low-income citizens are also eligible for discounts in sewer fees and certain recreation programs. To be eligible, customers must meet income guidelines.
To find out more about the reduced sewer rates, contact the Water Department at 743-6310.
Information regarding recreation program discounts is available by contacting the Parks Department, 4500 10th Street, 377-4846.
The following table shows the income guidelines used by the Parks Department (as of October 2003) to determine the percent of recreational fees to be paid. (Fees will be rounded to the nearest 25 cents.)
| PARKS DEPARTMENT FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM |
| Household Income | Family Size - Percent of fee to be paid |
Gross
Annual
Income | Gross
Monthly
Income | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 0-6,384 | 0-532 | 20% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% |
| 6,385-9,711 | 533-810 | 40% | 40% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% |
| 9,712-13,039 | 911-1,087 | 80% | 80% | 25% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% |
| 13,040-16,695 | 1,088-1,364 | 100% | 100% | 50% | 25% | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% |
| 16,696-19,695 | 1,365-1,642 | 100% | 100% | 80% | 50% | 25% | 25% | 15% | 15% |
| 19,696-23,023 | 1,643-1,919 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 80% | 50% | 25% | 25% | 15% |
| 23,024-26,351 | 1,920-2,196 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 80% | 50% | 25% | 25% |
| 26,352-29,679 | 2,197-2,474 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 80% | 50% | 25% |
| 29,680-33,007 | 2,475-2,751 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 80% | 50% |
| 33,008-36,335 | 2,752-3,030 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 80% |
Utility Providers
Before doing any digging, contact the State-wide Underground Utility Marking Coordinating Service at 1-800-292-8989 (Iowa One Call) for utilities that may be located in your area.
The City of Marion mails a bi-monthly billing statement for water, sanitary sewer, sewer repair fee, storm-water management fee and solid waste services. If you prefer, arrangements can be made for an automatic payment plan called Check Free Payment Program through the Water Department. Payments may also be mailed to the Water Department, 1100 8th Ave., Marion 52302. Additional information on your water and city services bill can be reached by phoning the Water Department at 377-4839 or by sending an e-mail message.
For most Marion residents, electrical service is provided by either Alliant Energy or Linn County REC. Gas service is typically provided by MidAmerican Energy.
Local telephone providers are Qwest and McLeodUSA. McLeod also provides cable service in some areas as does Mediacom. There are several providers of internet connectivity in our area, including several options for broadband.
Drivers License Bureau
The Drivers License Bureau is located at 152 Collins Road N.E. in Cedar Rapids. (at the east end of the strip mall that contains K-Mart) Questions should be directed to 377-6461.
The Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Driver Services also has many forms and various information available online.
Fees associated with motor vehicle title transfers and vehicle license plates are paid at the Linn County Treasurer's Office, 930 1st St. S.W. in Cedar Rapids.
Food Pantry & Helping Hand
The Marion Food Pantry is located at 802 12th St. and is housed by Marion's First Presbyterian Church. Churches, businesses and individuals throughout the community donate non-perishable food items to the pantry. The pantry is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. For any additional information please phone 377-7309.
The Helping Hand Store, started by Elder Marguerite Ackley in 1968, offers good used clothing at no charge. In contrast to the Pantry, this service is provided entirely by volunteers from First Presbyterian Church. It is open the same hours as the Pantry and the first and third Saturdays of each month from 1 to 3 p.m.
In 2002, 1,510 families visited. This represents 5,080 people. Of these 317 families were new. This is an increase of 152 families and 363 people compared to 2001. Referrals come from other churches, from local organizations like HACAP, and from the Marion Pantry.
Items may be dropped off in the large blue box in the hall next to the church office anytime the building is open.
Congregate Meals
Congregate meals for senior citizens are held at the Community Center, 600 10th Ave.
Lunch is served Monday through Friday at 11:45 a.m.
Reservations should be made 24 hours in advance by phoning 377-3221 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Daily activities begin at approximately 10 a.m. You may also wish to view the Marion Parks and Recreation Activities Brochure for a list of upcoming events and activities.
Marion Farmers Market
The Marion Farmers Market is located at the East End Shopping Center on 7th Avenue between 31st and 35th Streets.
The Market opens the second Saturday in May and continues through the last Saturday in September. The Farmers Market is open on Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 to 11:30 a.m.
Booth space is available. For more information on this or anything else relating to the Marion Farmers Market, contact the Parks and Recreation Department, 377-4846.
Solid Waste & Recycling
Where can I drop off recycling and yard waste materials?
Citizens who receive City solid waste service and have a blue identification card may use the recycling drop-off center and yard waste facility located at the Public Services Building, 195 35th St. For more information, phone the Public Services Department at 377-6367 or send an e-mail message.
It is illegal to rake leaves into the streets as debris will clog sewer street grates and possibly the entire system.
Where do I dispose of hazardous waste?
Bluestem Solid Waste Management Agency handles the collection of hazardous materials. Phone 373-4771 to make an appointment to drop off hazardous materials at their facility.
How can I discontinue solid waste collection if I'm out of town?
If you are out of town for 30 days or more, your residence is vacant and no solid waste is being collected at your address, this portion of your water bill can be waived. An application form is available at the Marion Water Department, 1100 8th Ave.
Do holidays effect the date of my solid waste collection?
Yes, holidays can sometimes impact the date of your solid waste collection. We have a list of upcoming collection dates that have been modified due to holiday observances available on the Holiday Garbage Schedule page.
Are special trash pick-up collections available?
Yes, the Public Services Department offers special trash pick-up service and special brush pick-up service each week. More information, including fees and how to schedule a special pick-up can be found by visiting the links above.
Sump Pumps
It is illegal to connect sump pump hoses, down spouts and drainage tile into the floor drain or sanitary sewers. For more information why it is illegal or to report such activity, visit the Stormwater Management pages.
Sanitary sewers can fill with storm water causing back-up into certain properties downstream.
You may also wish to view Chapter 95 of the City Code, Sanitary Sewer System
Transportation
Five Seasons Transportation provides bus service throughout the Marion and Cedar Rapids metropolitan areas. Their web site provides information on bus routes, fares, student programs and more.
Linn Transit LIFTS bus services provides door-to-door service within the metropolitan area for citizens age 60 and over, for disabled citizens and for clients of county-funding human service agencies. Reservations can be made Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and noon. If your trip is for medical purposes, grocery shopping, education or work purposes, you may make reservations one week in advance. Their web site provides fare and other information regarding the program.
Also available is after-hour service provided by Neighborhood Transportation Service. This service is for residents who work after "normal working hours" who need transportation to and from their place of employment. Phone 247-4792 for additional information.
Where can signs be placed?
The City of Marion fields many questions and complaints pertaining to signs. Many of the comments relate to the placement of temporary signs such as garage or yard sales, real estate and political signs.
Temporary signs should only be placed on private property. Residents who wish to place temporary signs on another person's property should obtain permission prior to sign placement.
City regulations do not permit temporary signs to be placed in the city right-of-way (that is, the area located between the curb and sidewalk, sometimes referred to as the "parking"). In addition, signs are not allowed to be attached to a structure in the right-of-way such as:
- telephone poles
- traffic lights
- stop signs
- rocks
- trees
Signs placed in this manner are illegal and can be removed without notice.
For further explanation of the Sign Ordinance, or any additional questions, contact the Planning and Development Department, 377-1581
Tree Planting
Planting trees between the curb and sidewalk is not allowed, unless a special permit has been issued by the Parks Department. This is because this property is public-owned right-of-way and also because tree planting in this area could have adverse consequences for property owners.
In the newer sections of Marion, there is typically a six inch drain tile behind the curb for foundation and sump pump drains. This allows the water to be carried into the city's storm sewer system without having sump pump hoses above ground. This also prevents premature deterioration of streets and curbs. If a tree is planted in this section, the root system will effectively attack the drain tile, potentially causing it to back-up and possibly creating damage to the home.
Trees should be planted between the sidewalk and the house. New trees planted in the right-of-way could be removed by the city.
Attention Pet Owners
Pet owners, please be responsible for your animal and respect other park users and facilities. All pets must be kept on a leash in all park areas, including the walking trail and Oak Shade Cemetery. Pets are not allowed to run loose in any City park or facility.
Pets are not allowed in pavilions or within 100 feet of food vendors, playground equipment, ball fields or the swimming pool. Pets are not allowed at large community functions such as Christmas in the Park, the Marion Arts Festival, band concerts and the Swamp Fox Festival.
When utilizing the parks or any public area, pet owners are required to clean up after their animals.
Does the city of Marion require licensing of cats and dogs?
The city does not require licenses for cats and dogs. It does, however, require cats and dogs over six (6) months of age to be vaccinated against rabies and wear a collar with a valid rabies vaccination tag attached to the collar when outside the owner's dwelling. Owners shall also attach a tag containing the address and/or telephone number of the cat's or dog's owner or veterinarian unless the information is engraved on the rabies vaccination tag.
The pet owner must notify the veterinarian who vaccinated the cat or dog for rabies of any change of address within five days of moving. When permanent ownership of a cat or dog is transferred, the original owner must notify the veterinarian who vaccinated the animal for rabies of the transfer and provide the new owner's name, address and telephone number within five days of the transfer.
Pets are not allowed to run at-large. They must be either confined in a completely enclosed area or kept on a leash or chain (they should not be able to reach a public sidewalk or private property when on a lease or chain).
Owning a pet is a responsibility and the City of Marion encourages being a responsible and good neighbor. Barking dogs can be disruptive to your neighborhood and can be considered a nuisance. Please be a responsible and good neighbor by not allowing your dog to cause problems with your neighbors.
You may also wish to review Animal Protection and Control from the City Code.
Information for Snowy Days
How quickly must snow be removed from public sidewalks?
Property owners are required to remove snow and/or ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall.
If the Marion Parks Department receives a "citizen request" about a sidewalk, staff members will try to contact the property owner by telephone and/or physical notice at the residence. This notification will advise property owners that they have 24 hours to remove the snow from any public walkways.
If the snow is not removed in the allotted amount of time, Parks Department employees or a hired contractor will complete the removal of the snow and the property owner(s) will be charged as follows:
- Manual removal - $20 per hour (one hour minimum)
- Self-propelled equipment - $30 per hour (one hour minimum)
- Tractor equipment - $35 per hour (one hour minimum)
In addition, a $25 administrative fee will be added to the final removal costs and billed to the property owner. Any snow removal which causes employee overtime will be billed at one and one-half times the regular hourly rate.
Please be considerate of your neighbors and fellow citizens. "Snowbirds" are encouraged to make arrangements for snow removal before they head south for the winter.
Where should cars be parked during snow storms?
Parked cars can present problems for snow removal crews and having cars plowed in with snow creates problems for citizens.
The majority of Marion's streets are 25-28 feet wide. A parked car takes about eight feet and, if there are cars parked on both sides of the street, 16 feet is used up. Snow plows are 11 feet wide. Just with the cars and the plow, roughly 27 feet is used.
Cars parked on the street during snow removal create many problems. The ideal situation would be to remove all cars from the streets during snow removal operations. The Public Services Department staff realizes this is not always practical. Snow removal could be improved a great deal by making sure cars are not parked directly across the street from each other.
Keeping all parked cars on one side of the street would also help. This way, at least one side of the street is plowed back to the curb and the other side can be worked on during the daytime hours when many residents drive their vehicles to work.
Residents are also reminded that if they live on an emergency snow route (marked by a red and white or blue and white street sign), they are required to move all vehicles from the street for the duration of any declared snow emergency. Such emergencies are announced on this web site as well as on local radio and television stations.
What are the City's snow removal procedures?
The Public Services Department uses a priority system on snow plowing and follows it until all streets have been completed. When trucks are sent out, they have designated routes to run. Snow removal crews plow in tandems. On many streets, the trucks cannot reach from the centerline to the curb in one pass. After a route has been completed, a second run is done to ensure the snow is placed all the way back to the curb.
If the street can be melted down and pushed to the curb so that water is running in the gutters, the City is ensured a good, clean street - even if the temperatures should plummet during the night.
City Services
It is sometimes difficult to know who to phone when an emergency or anything of concern happens. This list will hopefully point you in the correct direction.
Type of Problem | Department | Phone |
| Building/Plumbing/Electrical/Mechanical Code | Building Inspection | 743-6330 |
| Junk in yard | " | " |
| Property Maintenance | " | " |
| Miscellaneous Nuisances (items not listed) | " | " |
|
| | |
| Drainage/erosion | Engineering | 743-6340 |
|
| | |
| Rental Housing | Fire | 377-8237 |
|
| | |
| Weeds/Tall Grass | Parks | 377-4846 |
| Tree complaints - private property | " | " |
| Sidewalk snow shoveling | " | " |
|
| | |
| Junk cars/abandoned vehicles | Police | 377-1511 |
| Noise | " | " |
| Animals (live) | " | " |
|
| | |
| Animals (dead) | Public Services | 377-6367 |
| Street trees - trees in city right-of-way | " | " |
| Sewer back-ups | " | " |
| Street Maintenance | " | " |
| Solid Waste (misses, red tags, recycling) | " | " |
|
| | |
| Water (low pressure, rusty, etc.) | Water | 743-6310 |
|
| | |
| Street lights out | Alliant Energy
Linn County REC | 398-4406
800-332-5420 |
|
| | |
| Air Pollution, odor or health codes | Linn Co. Health | 892-6000 |
Marion City Code
The Municipal Code for the City of Marion is a part of this web site.
By accessing the code, you can look up virtually anything governmental which impacts residential and commercial life in Marion. Of course, our site search engine indexes the City Code. Feel free to search on various terms or phrases there as well.
Tall Grass & Weeds Policy
Grass and/or weeds in excess of eight inches in height are in violation of the nuisance section of the City Code. If a citizen request is received regarding a property in possible violation of this eight-inch rule, an inspection will be made of the property. If growth is in excess of the eight inches, the owner or person in control of the property will be notified by telephone of the violation. The person is allowed five days to eliminate the violation.
If the owner fails to act within the five-day period, a private contractor will be hired and the violator will be billed the cost of the work plus a $25 administrative fee. Costs for removal will be forwarded to the City Clerk's office for billing and collection. If an owner fails to pay the charges for mowing, the costs will be assessed to the property through the Linn County Assessor's Office.
In addition, if the owner has previously received a notice to abate nuisance relating to tall grass and/or weeds within the preceding 24 months, then the notice to abate may include a notice that the property will be considered to be in habitual violation of the weed ordinance.
If the nuisance is not abated within the allotted time frame, the City will consider the property to be in habitual violation of the weed ordinance and subject to having a contract let by the City for mowing the property as needed, up to a weekly basis, for the next 24 month period. The full costs of this contract and a $250 administrative fee will be assessed against the property.
You may also wish to review the Weeds section of the City Code.