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Monticello Mayor Jason Akers called the regular meeting of the Monticello City Council to order at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening, with several key issues addressed in a brisk 30-minute session. Following an invocation by Brian Rodgers and the Pledge of Allegiance, roll was called. Council members Cedric Leonard, Craig McRae, and Mark Tiner were noted absent. The council quickly approved the minutes from the June meeting.
In unfinished business, the council heard the second reading of an ordinance proposing updates to the city’s water meter deposit fees. If passed, the ordinance would implement the following rates:
The ordinance was tabled until the August meeting, when it will receive its third and final reading.
In new business, the council passed a resolution appointing Heather Cox to the Advertising and Promotions Commission. Cox fills the vacancy left by Brittany Washington’s resignation and will serve the remainder of Washington’s term.
Council members also authorized an application for a FY25 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Grant in the amount of $91,100. If awarded, the funds will support local law enforcement training related to mental health response and community engagement.
Thanks to a donation from Maxwell Hardwood Flooring, new flooring will soon be installed at City Hall. The council passed a resolution approving the installation and amending the General Fund Administration Budget accordingly.
A resolution was passed authorizing the city to request the Arkansas Department of Transportation combine grant funds for two ongoing sidewalk projects. Due to a lack of bids on the Highway 425 project, work has been delayed. If combined, the $350,000 in funds will be redirected toward the sidewalk project connecting Jordan Park to the Monticello Library.
The council approved a resolution to include Fawn Lane in the city’s current street overlay project. The budget will be amended by $30,000— the estimated cost of the addition— to be funded by the city’s one-cent sales tax.
The property at 422 N. Oak Street was declared a nuisance. Meanwhile, properties at 616 E. McCloy and 309 E. Shelton were granted 30-day extensions after owners appeared and presented plans to address structural issues. Council members noted that if progress is not made, further action could be taken next month.
Additionally, the council approved placing liens on 122 Circle Acres and 104 Falls Street for unpaid services owed to the city.
Mayor Akers read aloud the 2023 Legislative Audit report. One finding noted that the city had been paying utility bills for a private entity—2ndChanceFurDogs—without a service contract, which is not allowed. In response, Akers stated that the organization has been given 45 days to vacate the city-owned premises and seek alternative accommodations.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. with no further items on the agenda.
