Dianne Owens, the editor of the Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise for the past three years, has been named the grant writer for the City of Marion.
City officials said they have high expectations for the new employee. This past June, Marion Mayor Rodney Berry said the position of grant writer was included in the 2009-10 fiscal year budget because the position pertains to the request of federal stimulus funds through the state, the search for more funding opportunities for the city and the administration of grants. The position was needed, he said.
Marion has been without a grant writer since Tim Harper, who came to the city as its planner and grant writer in October 2002, was promoted to the city administrator's position in 2006.
Harper continued many of the grant administrating duties until November 2007, when he left the city to become the Marion County Administrator.
Marion City Administrator Bob Anderson has been overseeing several of the city's ongoing grant efforts since his employment this past March, including a Pee Dee Council of Government's Paint the Town grant for $53,240 and a $193,000 award from the S.C. Department of Transportation for the Main Street Streetscape project.
“Dianne possessed all the tools needed to be a successful grant writer,” Berry said. “She understands how to use words and has a history of demonstrating the ability to perform research,” he said, adding that Owens will also act as the publicist for the city.
"I'm very happy and pleased with the decision," Anderson said, calling Owens a great addition to the staff.
“Besides finding grants applicable to the city's needs and taking the lead in the process she will also be a liaison to all departments,” Anderson said, calling it an important role.
Anderson said the job involves a lot of paperwork. "I think her expertise with journalism will help out a lot. She will also be responsible in keeping the city’s Web site updated,” he said.
“I am excited about the value she brings to the City of Marion,” Berry said.
Owens, who began work on July 22, said she is enjoying working with the city staff and learning the processes of grant writing, application and administration.
“Just this past Saturday the city had employees volunteering as part of the Paint the Town grant,” she said, a Community Development Block Grant administered through the Pee Dee Council of Government.
There are four U.S. Department of Justice grants in various phases, with one nearly ready to be used to purchase tasers for each city police officer, she added.
“I’m really happy to be a part of the City of Marion activities and looking forward to what the future will bring for its residents and those who choose to work in the city,” she said.
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