Block Grant Is Closed Out

The state Department of Community Affairs has finally closed its books on a grant-funded project in Monticello that was completed more than a year ago.

The state agency had questioned how some expenditures were handled in the community development block grant to improve streets, drainage and housing generally in the Blue Ruin area of the city. It since has determined that all the funds were spent properly, Mayor Susan Holmes said this week.

The county government agreed to administer the grant after it was determined that some of the property to be improved belonged Walter Smith who became city manager after work on the grant request was under way in 1997-1998.

The professional grant writer who prepared the request suggested that the county act as administrator to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest by Mr. Smith.