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The Monticello City Council moved forward on several key items during its recent meeting, including advancing a wellhead protection ordinance, discussing city facility renovations, addressing nuisance properties, and unveiling a new city mobile app.
Council members conducted the second reading of a proposed wellhead protection ordinance aimed at safeguarding the city’s water supply. Officials said the measure is designed to protect public health, minimize financial risks tied to contamination, and ensure long-term access to potable groundwater in accordance with Arkansas Department of Health guidelines.
With no public comments or council objections, officials recommended allowing the ordinance to proceed through the standard process without declaring an emergency, meaning it would take effect after the required timeframe.
The council also received an update on ongoing renovations to City Hall and the adjacent former fire station building. Plans call for relocating the city’s water department, finance, and human resources offices to the lower level of the building, improving accessibility for residents by allowing drive-up access.
Upstairs, the second floor will be repurposed to house police department detectives, moving them from the current basement location. The redesign includes office space, interview rooms, and work areas. Officials noted the project will largely be funded through existing funds that have been set aside for years.
In new business, the council approved a resolution authorizing the Monticello Police Department to purchase vehicles using funds previously allocated through sales tax revenue. The city plans to trade in older vehicles to offset costs, a practice officials said helps reduce expenses for taxpayers.
The council also addressed multiple nuisance property cases.
At 600 N. Main St., council members voted to declare the structure a nuisance following reports of severe deterioration, including a collapsed balcony and unsafe conditions. City officials said attempts to contact the out-of-state owner had been unsuccessful. Under the resolution, the owner will have 30 days to either repair or demolish the structure before the city considers further action.
Neighbors spoke during the meeting, describing ongoing issues with overgrowth, mosquitoes and property damage caused by the neglected site.
A separate case involving 502 N. Main St. prompted extended discussion. The property owner said significant repairs had been made following a previous fire, including roof work, but acknowledged additional work is ongoing. City officials emphasized the need to inspect the structure to determine whether it meets safety standards.
After discussion, the council voted against granting an additional 30 days for compliance, meaning the matter will proceed under the existing resolution unless further action is taken.
In other announcements, city officials introduced a new mobile app designed to improve communication with residents. The app allows users to pay water bills, report code enforcement issues, receive notifications about road closures and water outages, and access city services and contact information. It is available for Apple and Android users. “This is a big step toward progress for our city,” Mayor Jason Akers stated.
Officials encouraged residents to download the app and enable notifications, calling it a major step forward in improving transparency and accessibility.
The city also announced upcoming community events, including a spring festival on the square featuring “American Idol” winner Trent Harmon and a fishing tournament scheduled for the following day.
Additionally, Monticello was awarded a $324,000 grant to improve sidewalk connectivity near the city’s sports complex. Bidding for the project is expected to open in early June.
