Monticello Council Hears Citizen Complaints

Members of the Monticello City Council heard from several citizens regarding their utility bills during its regular business meeting Tuesday.

Citizens were concerned primarily with the increase in the fees for their utilities from last month’s bill to this month’s bill, with one citizen stating that the most recent bill was the highest that she has seen in over 40 years.

Another citizen also voiced the same concerns about utilities, explaining her situation with air conditioning her home where two people reside. She explained that she’s compared her bills, and the days of service and has tried to cut back on usage. She said, “something has got to be done about these light bills.”

This same citizen was concerned about her taxes and the increase of those to over $1,000 this year. Stone Workman, Mayor pro tem, presided over the meeting in the Mayor’s absence and replied, “you need to address the county about the taxes as they regulate that. You need to complain to them. My bill went up 40 percent this year as well.”

He continued to state that the citizen needed to come before the council during budget time. He said that he and council member Larry Thurman voted to cut the budget to lower the utility bills, but were out voted.

Council woman Cynthia Miller rebutted, “the rates are set by a rate and the usage is what you get charged for, what the Mayor pro tem said about budget, that was incorrect.”

There was also much concern over the falling down, dilapidated houses on Funderburg Drive. One of the citizens asked about code enforcement and why parts of the city is in the shape that it is in. She asked for change in the city, especially with houses that should be torn down.

Not all citizens were there with complaints as two citizens thanked the council for items done. One thanked them for getting the tables fixed at West View park and asked about a cement walkway to the pavilion there.

Another citizen said that she “appreciated living in the city of Monticello and getting my limbs picked up.” She also noted that serving on the Council is a thankless job. She noted that she loved the walking track in town, but would like the kudzu cut off of it.

In the business portion of the meeting the council:

•Voted to accept the salary survey that was discussed in a work session last week.

•Voted to approve the use of Funderburg Park by Gail Harrell for a meet & greet on October 19

•Tabled a resolution to select an ECG Authorized Official as the Mayor pro tem is not seeking re-election and he is currently listed as the official.

•Voted to sign a resolution for the Health and Wellbeing Incentive Grant. This grant was awarded from Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) for the health and wellness program where the city will receive $1,000 of the grant now and get the other $1,000 in January. This allows for health and wellness opportunities and tools for employees.

•Voted to approve the consent agenda

Robert Jordan was in attendance at the meeting and showed the council a slideshow of recreational opportunities that could be utilized at Mine Lake for not much money.

Mr. Jordan ran through possibilities of using the property and the 70 acre lake for trails, fishing, lodging and campsites (primitive, RVs, cabins).

Mr. Jordan stated that there was an existing buffer 200-300 feet that hasn’t been cut and it would be very easy to build trails one of which could be a 3.5 mile trail around the lake. He said that it would take some signage, pedestrian bridges, and a gravel entry, which would require very minimal work.

He estimated that the low cost, no more than $10,000-$20,000 could fund a trail network with some finishing piers and trails. He said that it could be user maintained and he was happy to do more research and help in every way.

During council comments Ms. Miller thanked Mr. Jordan and said that she appreciated him coming out and presenting. She loved that he was interested and said, “I think that it is great for citizens to come out and have input in city properties, and any and all ideas were welcomed.”

Councilman David Wease thanked the City Manager for getting the council together Thursday to review and discuss the wage survey.