City Council Approves $9.69 Million Budget
The Monticello City Council voted to approve its FY2014 budget Tuesday night in the amount of $9,691,523. The budget was passed with a 4-1 vote with Councilwoman Katherine Alexander voting no, and Mayor Pro-tem Bobby Jacobs and Councilmen Larry Thurman, Randy Strozier and Cornell Williams all voting yes.
The FY2014 budget for the city did not include the proposed city shop, which would combine the city streets, maintenance, gas and electric departments in one centralized location. Those funds are in this year’s budget and the council will have to take action on moving forward with that before June 30, 2013.
The budget has to be balanced at zero (where revenues equal expenditures). By keeping the shop in the 2013 budget, the ending fund balance is $49,242 (over) versus rolling it into the FY2014 budget (as all of the previous capital purchases are) making the fund balance be—$28,000 or a shortfall—and the council having to cut departments in order to balance.
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Mayor Bryan Standifer told the council and citizens in attendance that the city has been awarded a $225,000 grant for street markings (stripes) and signs. City Manager Tim Sweezey asked that anyone with a sign concern come to him. Mayor Pro Tem Jacobs said that the council members had recently made a list of signage needed and most of those were attended to, so he should look into reimbursing the general fund with some of the grant money.
Mr. Sweezey also told the council that the building on the corner of W. Washington St. and Forsyth St., formerly Adam’s Beauty Supply is being tested for asbestos and mold June 15-30. The current owner is paying for that testing and the demolition of the building is set for July 1 and the contracted company said it will be completed around August 30.
Mayor Pro tem Jacobs made a motion which failed asking the council to reduce the sewer rates in the city to be dropped to 85% of the water rate. This would be a decrease from the current 100% match.
He stated that there was excess money available and that promises were made to the citizens to use this money. City Clerk Peggy Billerman said that the average household (based on current numbers) would save $4.51 a month.
Councilman Williams said “last year when this was proposed by me, the city was going broke.” Mr. Jacobs said that the current council was “reaping what we sewed four years ago.” Mr. Williams said, “if you would’ve brought this to us two months ago, we could’ve worked through it.” Councilman Strozier added, “the current budged, that we just passed is balanced.”
The motion failed 3-2 with Councilmen Williams, Strozier, and Thurman against, and Mayor Pro tem and Councilwoman Katherine Alexander for.
In other action:
• Heard from Juanita Davis with Family Connection on building a resource guide to aid families during hard economic times. She also invited all seniors (62 and older) to meet at the Chamber of Commerce Saturday, June 22 from 9 a.m.-noon in regards to getting a 504 loan and grant. Seniors are eligible for a grant or a 1% interest loan for home repairs or renovations. More on this will be published here in The Monticello News in the coming weeks or you can call Mrs. Davis at 706-468-4959.
• Heard from the Mayor that Norton Packaging is going to use EMC for their electric service.
• The council agreed to a resolution in honor of the Garden Club. The Garden Club aids in maintaining the Square, the parks, and other city locations.
• Discussed the bidding of work on city vehicles. Mr. Jacobs asked that it be looked into, and that the city use local businesses as often as possible. Both the Mayor and Councilwoman Alexander agreed that something stating that was passed previously and it could be found.
• Heard from citizen Nancy Arnold Wood on concerns with West View Park. Those included alcohol, profanity and people out at the park during the night. It was agreed that signage be posted and that there be increased police patrol after hours.
