City Reappoints Clerk, Manager & Engineer; Hires New Attorney
By SUSAN JACOBS
A new calendar year brings necessary administrative appointments for government entities. During the Monticello City Council’s first business meeting of the 2025, reappointments to the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Engineer positions were made with LaThaydra Sands, Carnethia Pennamon, and Robert Jordan being named, respectively. However, council named a new attorney, Chris Miranda of James, Bates, Brannan, Groover, LLP, to the city attorney position replacing Joe Reitman. The replacement comes after the council conducted a called meeting last Thursday to interview candidates for the position.
Council members moved briskly through the agenda with discussion and approval of opting into House Bill 581 regarding homestead exemptions.
Members approved a bid from Black Eagle to complete carpet replacement on the first floor and plaster repairs upstairs. Three bids were submitted but the contractor accepted was recommended by Facility & Street Department Superintendent Isaac Nesler.
With regards to placing calming traffic signs in the city, council discussed placing three additional signs up in addition to the one on Hillsboro Street. Talk had been previously made about placing one at West Washington and Church Streets, where accidents occur regularly. Mr. Nesler said he doesn’t think that location will work for a calming sign. After some discussion, council settled on placing moveable signage on Hwy. 16 West or East and Hwy. 83 South and North.
Council voted to place a 45 day moratorium on building permits.
Council also voted 3-0 to close the city’s parks for 30 days while repairs and maintenance for safety are being handled. Council member Jenny Murphy did not vote and cautioned council to make sure the closures are publicized.
Other approvals included the 2025 qualifying fee schedule; appointing Mayor DeAshley Thurman to the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC) as a representative; the NEGRC memorandum of understanding; and service delivery strategy resolution building inspection update.
Also approved was the elections intergovernmental agreement that approves Guy Tucker as Election Superintendent for Jasper County. The state has made changes to election supervision. Probate judges no longer oversee elections as election boards have been given that power.
Council postponed action on a parking lot lease off West Washington and allowing fishing at the Mine Lake property.
Citizen James Jerziac of Oak Ridge Subdivision thanked the mayor and council for appropriating funds to help with road repairs in his neighborhood.
Wanda Cummings of Greene Street thanked the council for a new meter replacement which would hopefully correct her utility readings.
Council also discussed moving the Mayor’s office from its current location to another portion of the upstairs floor. It was agreed as long as the move doesn’t affect the building’s tenants.
The City Manager’s report included an audit update. The 2022 audit information has been submitted to the firm, however the city’s point of contact has left the firm and the firm is understaffed currently.
Mrs. Sands also reported that revolving loan funds are available and applicants are encouraged. She asked if the council would like to issue a proclamation at the annual dinner at the request of the Chamber of Commerce. Council opted to for no proclamations.
During the council updates, Mrs. Murphy announced events for Bridging Monticello’s Jasper Jubilee including April 12 for the Tour of Homes, April 17 for the fashion show, and April 19 as Jubilee Day.
Gail Harrell announced Musical Theater Camp for the last week in June.
