§ 2. Legislative intent.

The Legislature finds and declares that:

(1)

The greater Marathon area in Monroe County includes a compact and contiguous community of approximately 12,000 residents susceptible to urban services, and constitutes a community amenable to separate municipal government.

(2)

It is in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Marathon area to form a separate municipality for the Marathon area with all the powers and authority necessary to provide adequate and efficient municipal services to its residents.

(3)

It is intended that this charter and the incorporation of the Marathon area shall serve to preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics of the individual communities within the boundaries of the City of Marathon.