Monticello Council Reviews Budget

Monticello City Council held its last scheduled budget work session Tuesday in anticipation of the Tuesday, June 6 public hearing on the preliminary budget set for 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

According to city manager Hugh King, the estimated 2006 budget should produce an end of the year surplus of more than $200,000 for the city. According to his research, he said it would be the first time in four years since the city recorded a surplus.

The possibility of the city finishing the fiscal year in the black was met with elation by council members Glenn Newsome, Jaqueline Smith, and Bryan Standifer.

Other components of the budget discussed Tuesday included funding the Get Ahead House at $80,000; payment to the city of Thomasville for billing services at $100,000 with no current contract; across the board raises for city employees.
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Council member Smith requested Tuesday that $25,000 for the completion of phase 1 of Funder- burg Park be included in the proposed budget. She said that when the city’s anticipated SPLOST funding, $100,000, is received that portion of the budget could be returned.

Following the June 6 public hearing, the budget could be approved by the council during its regular meeting Tuesday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. A copy of the proposed budget is at City Hall for review.

During the work session, council members also heard from Economic Development Authority director Tracy Trovillo about a prospective buyer for the old sewing room plant located on Funderburg Drive.

The company plans to buy the building from the city and lease the space to vendors. The proposed purchase price is $180,000, said the economic director who also provided council with a letter of intent to purchase from the company.

Miss Trovillo said that the buyers were aware of the asbestos problem with the building and that the structure needed lots of improvements. Tentative vendors include a high-end antique store with international exposure and another antique furnishing venue, she said.

Also, Mr. King informed council members that the city had “prevailed in some way” in the utility court case launched by Grady Fuller. See related story. The city manager said that the case will cost the city a deductible of $1,000.

Council members also visited a recent issue involving an elderly resident being attacked by a dog. Revisiting the city’s dog ordinance was suggested.