Piedmont Requests Release from City Electrical Service

Piedmont Academy has petitioned the city of Monticello to be removed as an electrical customer of the city’s so it may use Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (CGEMC).

In a letter dated April 11, the school reported to the Monticello City Council that a 12-month comparison of electrical cost between the city of Monticello and (CGEMC) showed that the school would save a considerable amount.

Other information in the letter revealed that the electrical infrastructure of the school is more than 40 years old and needs upgrading for safety reasons. The school said that the city didn’t feel this was necessary, while CGEMC was willing to upgrade the infrastructure if it became the school’s provider.
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During a discussion between the Council and Headmaster Tony Tanner, Mr. Tanner pointed out that the school was the city’s third largest employer and that the school was a viable entity in the city and the county. Mr. Tanner also reported the switch to CGEMC would result in a savings of approximately $9,000 per year and that CGEMC would replace the electrical equipment at no cost.

He went on to say the school had three meters and that each one had different rates, and that he had requested a master meter from the city to which he had not received a response, resulting in the above mentioned letter.

After a great deal of discussion by the Council, Mayor Pro Tem Russell Gross made a motion to proceed with the installation of a master meter if it would be a benefit to the school. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Katherine Alexander and passed by a vote of 3-1 with Councilperson Molly Pompey against and Councilperson Bobby Jacobs recusing himself due to doing business with the school.

Mrs. Alexander made another motion to do a safety inspection and replace the school’s infrastructure as soon as possible. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Bryan Standifer and passed 4-0 with Mr. Jacobs once again rescuing himself.

Mayor Glenn Newsome told Mr. Tanner the city would be studying and considering its request and try to work with the school.
In new business, the council reported receiving an invitation from the Board of Commissioners to a meeting next Monday, April 18, at 5 p.m. to work towards an intergovernmental agreement for revenue distribution for the next SPLOST.

A meeting was scheduled for today, April 14, at 5 p.m. by the city’s SPLOST committee to discuss the new SPLOST and also review a proposed yearly budget for existing SPLOST. The Council also adopted a list of SPLOST possible projects including water supply and treatment, parks and recreation, city infrastructure and the hospital.

In discussing old business, the West View Park Recreation Committee recommended that eight new projects be considered to improve the park with the funds to come from the 2012 budget. During discussion Mrs. Pompey made a motion to table the recommendation since it did not include any improvements to Funderburg Park. The motion failed by a 3-2 vote. Mr. Jacobs then made a motion for the city manager to get prices on the projects to come from the 2012 budget. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Gross then made a motion to appoint a committee to look at the total recreation needs of the city, which also passed unanimously.

Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Chairman Dave Dammann reported the authority had made its fifth payment on its city loan. He also reported the Thrift Shop had requested to extend its lease by three years and was willing to wait on this until the current real estate contract expired on the building. Mr. Dammann also reported he had found downtown businesses reluctant to join the DDA. They cited the cost of their utility bills, basically saying the city was their enemy.

He said that the historical city could become the ghost city unless changes are made. Mr. Dammann went on to recommend the city allow the citizens to conduct sidewalk businesses.

Monticello Police Chief Bobby Norris reported his department collected $5,004 in fines in March, issued 36 citations, served six warrants and responded to 274 calls for service.

The Council also approved a DOT contract and the appointment of Probate Judge Linda Mock Keller to serve as city election superintendent for the November 2011 election.

Other action taken by the Council included the following:
•Approved the purchase of two new police cars at an estimated cost of $21,700 each, and to make the final approval of the purchase when a complete package of the details are presented at their regular meeting in May.

•Approved a three-year contract for the annual audit with Herring CPA Group in Tifton, at an annual cost of $9,125, down from the previous cost of $19,000 per year.

•Voted unanimously to deny the request of Brian and Nancy Mason to transfer from the City of Monticello electric service to CGEMC based on the territorial act establishing districts for the sale of electricity.

•Voted to table a request to participate in Operation Round Up for Hunger 2011 until January 1, 2012, due to computer program issues.
The meeting was then closed to discuss personnel issues, and no further action was taken.