Marion feels the squeeze

In another sign of the times facing Indiana local government, the city of Marion in Grant County said it is beginning the year with just $44,000 in the bank, a $1 million debt to its municipal utilities and with a health-care fund that is $5 million in the red.

Mayor Wayne Seybold blames the deficits on health-care costs. The city’s controller expects to seek short-term loans in anticipation of property tax revenues and said the city should be able to make payroll.