Monticello Council Votes On Arbor Day; O.K.s Many Alcohol Licenses

The Monticello City Council at its meeting on December 10, declared December 11 as Arbor Day in Monticello so that the city may remain a tree city. On that day, trees were planted in West View Park and Funderburg Park.

Council members also discussed the excess electricity the city has been able to sell through its conglomerate with six other cities. They have been selling about $30,000 worth of power each of the last three months. The Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia advises the cities that they do not have enough excess power to be selling it. John Hewitt, the city’s consultant, says that what is best for MEAG may not be what’s best for Monticello. City council members echoed that sentiment.

Council member Cynthia Miller suggested that council members should get a pay increase when they complete 42 hours of training. There was much discussion, including whether it was even legal to do it, and they agreed to discuss it again in January after City Manager Tim Young researches it.

Council members also approved numerous alcohol license renewals.

Those who received renewals include A-1 Food Store, Ingles Markets, Circle K, Monticello Food Market, A&Q Grocery Store, Short Street Grocery, Hide-a-way Package, McMichael Package, Taqueria La Eskina, and Reese Hall.

Council also agreed to buy back 40-hours of vacation for those employees who do not have time to take their vacation before the end of the year,

Mayor Pro-tem elect Gail Harrell was present at the meeting. A work session was scheduled before the regular meeting, but according to Clerk Karen Pennamon, it was not held as there was not a quorum.