A family shelter was opened in 2007 at 340 W. Fairground Street under the idea that the shelter would be classified as residential.

Instead, the Ohio Department of Commerce zoned it as R-2 meaning a residential facility with transient people staying longer than 30 days. That new classification means that a fire suppression system has to be added to the structure.

Mark Lovett, director of the Shelter, says early projections were $30,000 for the costs. The shelter is attempting to pay off a $225,000 mortgage on the building and is trying to avoid borrowing more money.

The agency has one year to install the new system.

The Shelter is accepting donations which can be made to the Marion Shelter Program, 240 W. Fairground Street or by calling the Shelter at 387-4550.