Council Approves Revised Charter

The Monticello City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday at its regular meeting to amend the Monticello City Charter to reflect the changes necessary for the dissolution of the Monticello Police Department.

Councilpersons David Wease, Katherine Alexander, Larry Thurman, and Mayor Pro tem Bobby Jacobs all voted for the change while Councilman Cornell Williams voted against.

During the public hearing portion of the meeting prior to the charter change vote, Councilman Williams along with citizen Martha Pompey spoke to the council on the amendment change not being discussed beforehand with all of the council. Ms. Pompey said that the amended charter should have gone before council and “here we are on the second reading.”

Mayor Bryan Standifer and City Attorney Joe Reitman both tried to explain that the charter changes were drawn up by request and that the first reading was done initially to give the council time to look over it and recommend any changes and/or vote on the charter after the second reading.

The council also voted 3-2 to sign the Sheriff’s Agreement which is a formal document allowing the Sheriff to use the police precinct, cars, and the authorization of the transfer of weapons and other equipment to the Sheriff. The agreement was for a four year period and addresses the issue of municipal court and allocation of fines and fees beginning yesterday, July 9 at noon.

Also, after the council went into closed session for personnel, in open meeting they voted unanimously to appoint Peggy Billerman as Acting City Manager for six months at the entry level pay of the previous city manager. Ms. Billerman is the City Clerk and has been interim City Manager since the council voted in January to fire Tim Sweezey.

The council also voted to appoint the following individuals to the Downtown Development Authority to represent Monticello: Susie Bowles, Patrick Head, Scott Smith, David Leach, Rufus Whitlock, Nancy Wood, and Diana Moreno.