City Vote on LOST Division with County

The Monticello City Council voted Tuesday to move forward with the Board of Commissioners in LOST (Local Option Sales Tax) negotiations set forth where the city will receive 30 percent of the monies, as in previous years with 2 percent earmarked for an escrow account that will be used for improvements for those things such as the library, economic development, the recreation department, etc. to which the council and the commission decide where the funds are needed most.

The county will get the same 67 percent as well with 2 percent of its monies also being earmarked for the same purpose into the escrow account. The city of Shady Dale will receive its 3 percent of the LOST funds as they have in previous years as well.

Mayor Bryan Standifer urged against a closed session to discuss the agreement, and council openly discussed it in the meeting saying, “this entire thing seems to work to benefit all entities of our community. This has been a long time rectification needed for both the city and the county. I feel that this is a win-win in our community.”

{{more}}

The council also voted to advertise to hire a detective for the Monticello Police Department that could also work in a patrol position. City Manager, Tim Sweezey talked to the council about hiring a “hybrid” detective and patrol person for the police department.

Currently there are two officers out on workman’s compensation claims and the other officers are stretched very thin, with the chief [Bobby Norris] working double duty,” Mr. Sweezey told the council. He said that this would allow some flexibility and that the outgoing detective would have about 45 days to bring the newly hired officer up to date.

Mr. Sweezey had presented numbers during a called meeting last week, noting that an additional officer would help as the police department paid just over $20,900 in overtime last year, and that he thought that there could be an additional person on the force, “with fresh eyes, and more active boots on the ground,” with the end result being better work out of him/her.

Mr. Sweezey told the council that they currently have three operators and their overtime is continuing to increase. He reiterated Tuesday that he was actively seeking employees for the water plant.

Mr. Sweezey asked for permission to hire a part time employee as there are two out in the electric department currently and the work has be to done. All of the council members agreed.

The council also voted to amend the previously approved sick leave policy to cap the maximum hours at 720 as per other city policies.

Approved Dr. Lyndsy Holman’s request for a $20,000 loan from the Downtown Development Authority’s revolving fund.

The council also asked everyone to come to the community conversation today, March 14 at 6 p.m. at Jasper County High School.

In both the council and citizens comments the city manager was commended on doing a great job with the great employees of the city. There were several comments made about the quick turn around of requests and how good the city looked.

The overall feel of the council meeting was very upbeat and positive. The council members seemed to be happy with all of the improvements as well as the day to day positive direction the city was moving.