Monticello Narrows Manager Candidates

A full body of Monticello City Council members convened in a called meeting Monday evening to select the final two candidates vying for the city manager position.

Franklin Etheridge and Timothy Young are the last candidates remaining from a pool of more than 50 applicants for the city’s top administrative spot that was vacated in March. Interim City Manager Peggy Billerman has been serving since that time.

Mr. Etheridge, of Ludowici, has more than 20 years of local government experience, according to his resume, including county administrator positions with Long and Twiggs counties, county manager positions with Randolph and Marion counties, and city manager positions in Lafayette and Pembroke.

Mr. Young served as city manager of Hawkinsville, where he currently resides, from 2014-2018. He also is owner and operator of a meter and brass company that services and supplied water systems.

In addition to selecting the final candidates, council members had some discussion about possibilities with the Mine Lake property purchased by the city last year.

Council member Cynthia Miller expressed an interest in exploring the potential earning and uses the 700-acre property could serve for the city government. Whether it be utilized for public fishing, walking trails, or miniature golf, the councilwoman felt that the city should be doing something with the property. She went on to explain that many other small towns have had such resources that they have channelled into economic success.

Mayor Bryan Standifer agreed with his fellow council member stating that “we have a gem and it could help the city economically.”

Council member Jenny Murphy suggested meeting with some agencies to discuss the possibilities and Mrs. Miller suggested that the governing body should first decide what they would like to see happen with the property and then see what would be feasible.

Mayor Pro Tem Stone Workman noted that doing anything with the property now might be just a “pipe dream” as the city does not control the water. He said that by signing the service delivery strategy with the county, which he opposed, the city lost its rights.

Council member Miller replied that she was looking at using the land, not the water to the city’s advantage.

Mayor Standifer said that the entity would set up a work session to brainstorm ideas for Mine Lake.

During council comments, Mrs. Miller said that harmony was needed here, referring to the council, and that they must agree to disagree.

Council member David Wease urged participants to hydrate as it is very hot outside and to have a Happy Fourth of July.

The regular meeting of the Monticello City Council will be Tuesday, July 9 at 6 p.m.