Marion’s water department is still operating and repairs to the system are still in motion despite three workers not coming to work as they ask for pay raises.
Marion Mayor Dexter Hinton said three employees in the water maintenance and repair division did not report for work on Monday after requesting a pay raise, but he said city operations and repairs have not stopped.
“Operation is not ceasing and we’re going to continue to move forward,” Hinton said, refuting social media claims of a "strike."
Hinton added the city is in the middle of preparing its next budget and cannot make financial decisions overnight as the process requires going through the governing body and the financial department.
“We’re working on the upcoming budget, and we just can’t make hasty decisions,” Hinton said.
Hinton said the city currently pays between $16 and $18 an hour for water maintenance positions and believes there are people willing to work at that rate if the situation is not resolved.
He added that the city understands there is a rising cost of living, but they must make decisions that are financially responsible. “We can only do what we can do,” Hinton said. “We have to make the decision based on what’s best for the city.”
Hinton emphasized that repairs are ongoing and the city is moving forward while the budget process continues.
Attempts to contact water shop supervisor Brian Moore were unsuccessful.
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