The process of bringing back some of the 15 police officers laid off last year by the city of Marion has begun and it seems the project is moving along on schedule.

One officer was already hired back days before the end of 2012, and last night Marion City Council members approved a reappropriation of funds that would lead to re-hiring another.

According to Mayor Scott Schertzer, the funds are coming from different departments--including $20,000 from the Dispatch Department and $16,000 from the Law Director's budget.

More money will be available later this year based on the income tax raise that voters passed in November, which is estimated to raise about $240,000 for the Police Department alone. Schertzer says they hope to re-hire seven officers in total this year.

Also on the agenda yesterday: the Legislations, Codes, and Regulations Committee decided to take no action regarding a liquor permit for the Dollar General store at 617 S. Main St.