Monticello Council Approves Budget, Welcomes Clerk
The Monticello City Council Tuesday welcomed a new clerk to the city. Karen Pennamon began work Monday and was at Tuesday’s council meeting along with interim City Manager Peggy Billerman.
The council voted to approve several items, including the tax levy of 5.66 mills, and the $7.746 million budget, but the vote to approve the budget was 3-2, with Mayor Pro-tem Stone Workman and Councilman Larry Thurman voting against.
The city has met in several sessions reviewing the budget, and Mayor Pro-tem Workman had said he would not approve it because there was not a reduction in electric rates. At Tuesday’s meeting, he said that the electric department is funding the water/sewer and gas departments who are operating in the red. That is not right, he said. He said we can’t keep transferring money from the electric department. He said over $500,000 goes into the unincorporated areas.
He said “We’re funding everything else people use….and are not paying for.” He mentioned parks and roads which are used by more than city residents, but the electric revenue pays for it.
He said the council had a chance to do something about this last year when they approved the Service Delivery Strategy presented by the commissioners without even contesting it.
Mr. Workman also said the county could be the city’s ally, but it’s not. He said there are no city residents on any county boards including the Development Authority of Jasper County, the Board of Assessors, Jasper County Water & Sewer Authority, and others. He said there is no way that could happen by chance. Councilwoman Jenny Murphy, who works at the newspaper, said the county advertises those positions. Perhaps no city residents are interested she suggested, and Councilwoman Cynthia Miller agreed. Mr. Workman said the odds are too great for it to happen by chance.
Councilman Thurman did not comment on why he voted against the budget.
The council also adopted the millage rate of 5.66 mills, saying they had not raised taxes in the city for 20 years. That vote was unanimous.
Also approved was Carole Norris as absentee ballot clerk for the city, and E. Ray Lanier as elections superintendent.
Council heard from Mrs. Billerman about increases to the garbage pick-up, and the need for a street department mower. She also said that the heating/air conditioning in council chambers needs replacing and the estimate is $9,000. She said work had been done on the front of the building with termites being found. A contract to control the termites has been entered into. She also said the electric department had the need to purchase several power poles. Council did not question any of the expenditures, but did not vote to move forward on the air conditioning. The rest were approved by consensus.
