Many Are Commended at Final City Council Meeting

Tuesday evening’s Monticello City Council meeting was punctuated by much hand shaking and hugs as the council, as it has consisted for the last four years, met for the last time.

Mayor Pro-tem Russell Gross was absent, as was Councilwoman Katherine Alexander. The remaining council members recognized the cast and crew of Piedmont Academy’s one-act play, which took first place at state. Then they spent some time thanking one another for their contributions to the city and for the learning experience that the service had been.

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Mayor Newsome presented each council person with a plaque and a list of accomplishments made by this council. He also instructed them to go home and thank their spouses.

In addition, six city employees were recognized for their service to the city. Police Chief Bobby Norris was commended for 25 years of service to the city, and Michael Boykin and Johnny Ward both received certificates for 20 years of service. Andy Mattison was not present, but he will receive his certificate for 15 years of service.

Henry Greene and Marcus Thomas were both recognized for five years of service to the city.

But, it was not all glad-handing at the meeting, several items of business were handled, including refinancing the city’s 2000 bond. The bond has been refinanced, cutting the interest rate the city pays from 6.85 percent to 4.5 percent. It will still be paid off in 2020, as originally planned, but the lower interest rate will save the city $15,000-$20,000 annually.

In addition, the council approved Sunday sales after voters o.k.’d them, and having a first reading on that issue last month.

The council also agreed to surplus six pieces of equipment, and put the proceeds from the sell of that equipment towards current purchases of city equipment.

At the end of the meeting, the mayor and mayor-elect went into closed session with they city attorney for “pending litigation” (see related story).