Everyone in Marysville has an opinion about the fate of the pale blue water tower that has been an unmistakable part of the city’s skyline since 1921.
For many, the landmark stirs memories of simpler times and Marysville’s small-town past, when the tower was the site of marriage proposals, Easter sunrise services, and daring teenage exploits to climb to the top. Today, realists argue, correctly, the tower is little more than a corroding, antiquated eyesore that menaces the city budget.
Things have been looking bad for the water tower for quite some time. In 1999, a consulting firm estimated that the cost of renovating the tower to comply with seismic and safety standards could exceed $100,000, almost twice the cost of its demolition. And last week, the debate surrounding the tower intensified even further when city officials got a nasty surprise: the tower’s roof is corroded, and needs to be replaced for an additional $58,000. Factoring in this unforeseen expense, as well as the cost of a new paint job, it could cost up to $180,000 to keep Marysville’s water tower standing.
The emotional argument to protect the tower is indeed potent: it is, after all, one of the few remaining historical monuments in Marysville, a town that has already lost the majority of its oldest buildings to commercial and residential growth. But citizens arguing for a more productive use of the city’s funds point out that there are many other improvements that the city and the Marysville Historic Society could make to preserve this history, such as building a historical museum or renovating the old Kellogg Marsh schoolhouse that has fallen into disrepair.
Ultimately, it seems Marysville taxpayers do not wish to spend general tax revenue to restore a relic that has not been in use for over 20 years — regardless of its sentimental value. And it’s hard to blame them; economic times are tough, the city has suffered a slew of tragedies in the last year involving its young people, and attention needs to be devoted to these immediate concerns.
The Marysville Historic Society and other citizen groups have made a valiant effort over the last few years to save a beloved landmark, and if they find a way to cover the cost of restoration without relying on the city for additional funding, then they should continue with their good work. But sadly, this is looking less and less likely — and that could mean that it’s time to let go of the water tower and move on.
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