Council Hears of Upcoming Census

The Monticello City Council touched on several subjects during its regular meeting Tuesday evening, but put off until a future meeting action on the budget or on hiring a clerk, and on a zoning change.

The applicant for the zoning change, Jasper County, represented in this instance by David Dyer, was postponed at the applicants request. A budget work session is scheduled for next Thursday, April 18, and council members received printouts Tuesday to study and prepare them to make suggested changes at the budget meeting.

Council heard from Tyrone Smith, a recruiter with the U.S. Census Bureau who said the Census Bureau is hiring now for next year’s count. The day that everyone needs to be counted is April 1, 2020, and work has begun to be sure there is an accurate count. Mr. Smith reminded council that the number determines representation in Washington D.C. as well as grants and aid in emergencies.

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Judy Hunsucker with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) talked about the upcoming Tour of Homes and said she hoped that some of the council would be out and about that Saturday, showing our Southern hospitality. She said the Garden Club is donating a flower arrangement per stop on the tour.

She also talked about the ongoing parking situation on the Square, and asked for council’s help.

She said the Sunrise Thrift Store will move out of its current location, owned by DDA, by the end of May. Then DDA will pressure wash, paint and fix up the premises to offer for sale.

Council heard from Stacy Brown with the Uncle Remus Library System who thanked the city for its support and said more help is needed.

Council approved expenditures of some $6655 to build a structure at the Gulf Plant to protect the equipment the city has stored there. The old roof has fallen in and the stuff needs protecting. Electric department employees and Monte Roper will do the work.

The council also approved expenditures to comply with a consent order with the Public Service commission for the gas operations. The cost is estimated to be just over $21,000, and fines of $25,000 would apply if the work is not done.

Council also approved a Blue Ruin reunion at Funderburg Park on May 25.

They tabled action on closing a street on June 1 for Springfield Baptist Church.

Council approved the consent agenda, then went into closed session to discuss personnel.