City Audit Shows Improvement
The annual audit for the full budget year of July 2009 through June 2010 was presented to the city council at its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, Dec. 14, by Wright and Wright, CPA.
Brian Wright of the firm made the presentation, and said, “As a whole, the city’s financial position improved during the period with the city having an increase in net assets of $117,000. This was a critical year financially for the city, and you have made some tough decisions and put yourself in a better position.”
Mayor Glenn Newsome said this was the third year in a row that Wright and Wright had presented the audit on time, as required by state law, and he thanked the Council members for their efforts in putting the city in a better financial position.
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Also, Dave Damann, Chairman of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) reported that all debts had been paid by the authority, and he presented the Council with its first check to the city for the loan that was recently made to them. He also reported the board had met earlier and listed their building for sale with Joyce McDonald Reality for a six month period. He also expressed his appreciation for the Thrift Store, currently renting the building, for being a good tenant.
Monticello Police Chief Bobby Norris was on hand to introduce his new full staff of officers, who all participated in a ceremonial swearing in before the Council by Judge Timothy Bumann, as the Monticello Police Department enters into a new era.
Mr. Newsome also introduced Gary Jenkins as the Honorary Council Member of the Month, as appointed by Councilperson Katherine Alexander. He also presented a Proclamation to Piedmont Academy Head Football Coach Rhett Farmer, along with coaches and players, in honor of the school’s 2010 state football championship.
City Manager Bob Schwartz reported the automatic meter replacement program is in progress and the city’s goal is to complete the project by the end of January.
After a great deal of discussion, the Council voted to accept the bid of $64,899 from Southern Playgrounds for playground equipment at West View Park, even though there were two lower bids. Southern Playgrounds was presented as the only provider of the equipment at last month’s meeting, however, at that time Councilperson Molly Pompey insisted the project be bid. City Engineer Robert Jordan was consulted to investigate the total of five bids and recommended the approval of Southern Playgrounds on the basis the city would be guaranteed that there will not be unexpected differences between what the council has said they want and what the other contractors might provide. The motion passed with four votes for, and one abstention by Mrs. Pompey.
As a way to recognize city employees at Christmas, and after many suggestions, Ms. Pompey made a motion to award each employee with a $100 bonus. The motion passed unanimously.
Consideration of approval for 2011 retail liquor licenses for Hide-A-Way Package Store, McMichael’s Package, and Top Shelf Bottle Shop Package Store, and alcohol beverage pouring licenses for Deptula’s Bar and Grill and El Giro Mexican Restaurant, were approved by a vote of four for and one abstention by Councilperson Bobby Jacobs.
Approval for a six month license for a beer and wine pouring license for the Four Season’s Cafe was passed by a vote of three for, with Mayor Pro Tem Russell Gross voting against and Ms. Alexander abstaining.
In other action the Council unanimous approved an ordinance for the first reading on outdoor watering and for an on-bill financing ordinance for financing of energy efficient electric appliances and home improvements.
