Commisioners Take Little Action

The Jasper County Commissioners had a fairly short agenda for their regular meeting Monday, and a number of items were postponed to a work session later this month.

The road plan is the main reason for the upcoming called meeting, but other things may also be discussed. All road concerns raised Monday were put off until the next meeting.

During commissioner’s comments, District 4 Commissioner Craig Salmon suggested putting a ballot question to the voters in November to consolidate the city of Monticello and Jasper County.

Commissioners agreed that the county attorney could look into what would be involved to do that. Mr. Salmon’s suggestion follows a meeting last month with city of Monticello officials, who indicated that they would be paying for less items in the future, in an effort not to double-tax the citizens of the city. Mr. Salmon said at that time that if they’re going to dump everything on the county, there is no need for a separate city.

Mr. Salmon also suggested cutting the trees near the recreation department as renovations are about to begin for the rec department, sheriff’s office and senior center. He indicated he is tired of waiting for things to happen. He thought it would be wise to go ahead and clear the trees. Robert Jordan, who serves as the county engineer recommended they have a planner draw up a conceptual drawing before trees are cut. So Mr. Jordan and County Manger Mike Benton are to move forward with a plan.

He also wanted to go ahead and order a sign from the DOT for the recreation department, but the discussion centered around the whole complex, and Chairman Carl Pennamon thought it would be better to wait and do all the signage at once.

Commissioners spent some time discussing how to pay for the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus that were recently purchased, and discussed how to avoid having to buy 40 sets at one time again.

Commissioners reappointed Larry Smith and Mary Alice Carter to the Board of Tax Assessors.