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The Monticello City Council moved quickly through a full agenda during its regular September meeting on Tuesday, September 23, approving several resolutions ranging from infrastructure projects to new equipment purchases — and closing with an important announcement from Mayor Jason Akers regarding the city’s Water Department.
Mayor Akers called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., with all council members present. Alderman Michael James led a brief invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After approving the minutes from August’s meeting, the council moved directly into new business.
The first item approved was a $68,220.35 bid from Site Prep Services, LLC to perform major maintenance on Rebecca Circle, where a large section of the street has sustained significant damage. The work will involve digging out and repacking the damaged area before repaving.
The council also approved the purchase of two metal carports totaling $24,057.20 for the city’s transfer station. These structures will allow garbage trucks to be relocated, freeing up the current building for potential sale, renovation, or demolition.
In another move to update city equipment, the council passed a resolution to purchase a 2026 International MV607 Flat Bed Truck from Rush Truck Center. The truck’s state bid price is $120,054.93, with a $56,000 trade-in credit for five older vehicles. After the trade-in, the city will pay $64,054.93 for the new truck.
The council certified that Weyerhaeuser could participate in the Tax Back Program, which allows certain tax funds related to construction costs to be refunded to the company. This incentive is designed to encourage local investment and job growth.
Several resolutions were passed concerning local properties:
The council approved a $32,660 bid from Arkansas Strong Roofing and Construction, LLC to replace the roof on the Monticello Senior Center, ensuring the facility remains safe and functional for the community’s older residents.
In his closing remarks, Mayor Akers shared an important update regarding the City Water Department, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“As elected officials, we have an obligation to our citizens to be transparent, ethical and forthcoming in matters that concern Monticello and its citizens,” Akers said.
He explained that on August 29, he personally requested an independent audit of the Water Department after concerns were raised by his staff. The audit was carried out by a specialized auditor from outside the area, with findings forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for review.
Following that review, criminal charges were filed against a former Water Office employee. The case is now being handled through the court system and can be reviewed under Case Number 25-154 at the Drew County Circuit Clerk’s office.
Akers stressed that while the city is not the investigating entity, it is committed to policing itself and ensuring public trust.
“We won’t be answering questions on this,” he said. “We aren’t the investigating entity, but I do believe that we have a responsibility and that the people should know that we police ourselves, and that we make sure that we are transparent because the only good government is a transparent one.”
Mayor Akers also noted that paving work around the city is progressing well, with additional projects scheduled in the near future.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
