Estimated $6 million community center
Published by Jeff September 29th, 2006 in News.
The Monticello Economic Development Commission (MEDC) has ambitious plans for the community. Among continued improvements to city infrastucture and further development of the sports complex is the preliminary plans for the construction of a large, 3000-seat multipurpose community center. While the site has not yet been determined, Ron Echols, who is a member of the MEDC board and a committee that has been studying the proposed center, noted that the reality of a community center hinges on the continuation of the county sales tax which is up for vote again in the fall 2007. The current blueprints are modeled after the Fayetteville Town Center.
“We’ve learned a lot about the intense competition for industry and job creation,” said Echols. “The committee is in total agreement on these future projects. They won’t be drug out. In the past, we had a pay-as-you-go policy. However, with these new projects, we hope to bond it and build it immediately.”
In 1997, the MEDC was reorganized and soon thereafter hired a full-time director. When Monticello became an Arkansas Community of Excellence (ACE), the commission began working hard to develop long-range plans for the city. Many of these have already been realized, from the development of the industrial park and the construction of the SPEC building to the addition of new fire trucks, equipment, and other resources. Revenue from the existing sales tax has made these projects possible.
Much of what has occurred in the past few years has been “behind the scenes” work, but it has already produced direct benefits for Monticello’s citizens. Echols said, “Just the addition of trucks and equipment for the fire department moved our town class rating from 6 to 5. This resulted in everyone’s insurance costs being lowered as a result.”
The community is encouraged to participate and attend MEDC monthly meetings, which take place on the first Wednesdays of every month in the University Center at UAM.
Possibly Related:
A CO-WORKER, KEVIN GRANT, REFERRED ME TO THIS WEBSITE. I HAVE TRUELY ENJOYED LOOKING AT THIS WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE COMMUNITY. IT HAS BEEN HELPFUL.
I’m a very progressive thinker, but, I’m not sold we need a brand-new 3,000 seat sommunity center. How often would something like that be used? Once, twice per month when things are busy? If $6million is spent on a new facility of any kind, it should be something that will invite people to MOVE here, not just visit. Babe Ruth was a great event, but after it was said and done, did the Babe Ruth World Series cause anyone to want to move their residence, business, or industry to Monticello? I don’t think a conference center is going to either. Where else could we spend $6 million? What can be done with $6 million to accomodate new industry and businesses?
I agree with TJ on the community center . Just look at
the new industrial park & spec building East of town.
And if this makes the sales tax go up even higher ,
more people will start going out of town to do their shopping.
I also agree with TJ and Jason. We will have something that will be rarely used. Also,why do we have a spec building east of town if most of the development is west? MEDC is so out of tune with Monticello. JOBS,JOBS,JOBS guys are you listening? Thanks Jeff, we needed this.
The proposed community center sounds inpressive on one hand, but I have to agree with T.J and the others on this. What we NEED in Monticello and Southeast Arkansas is JOBS !!!!!!!!!!GOOD Jobs that pay a living wage!!!! Great site, Jeff!!! Jim Whaley referred me here…
I agree with the above comments….it sounds like a good idea but there are other places that money could and NEEDS to be spent!
bonnie hicks reffered me to the site. It is great to see what is going on in town.kevin
I definitely think 6 mill can be spent on not just one big thing but many small things to not only clean up some of the run down spots in our city but also add some inviting change. This town looks no different than what it did when we first got the 4-lane going through town. Its just sad to me. Big Jim from dads place reffered me to this site.
Wow, am I in the minority or are the positive thinkers afraid to speak out?. I think the community center is a wonderful idea. No doubt we need more jobs in Monticello but we need to consider why we are being passed over. Are WE unwilling to invest where we want others to invest?
If we are to ever become an attractive city to outside business we must re-evaluate what potential business’ see and feel when they look at Monticello. We have some great businesses here. The successful ones have continued to re-invest and strive for excellence. Those who have not, are dead or dying before our eyes.
I love it here and so do most of the people who live here. But the reality is that when you come to Monticello, it does not take long to find some depressing sites right in town. When you look around SUCCESS is not the feeling that you get. It’s the property owners’ responsibility to maintain and clean up their holdings, not the city’s. We must consider what kind of neighbor we want and then become that kind of neighbor.
Potential businesses must evaluate logistics, employee potential and stability in the region. Any new business will consider their neighbors before moving here. I don’t have the answer but crying about Burlington, Spring Lift and others leaving has not been very effective.
I applaud the leadership of the MEDC for coming up with the convention center idea. They are willing to invest in Monticello by building something that is first rate and progressive for the region.
I propose that we get behind those willing to step up and take the lead. If you have an idea on how to bring JOBS, JOBS, JOBS turn it loose and let the leadership know. If not, let’s support those willing to sacrifice their time and energy who are leading.
If a business is looking for a place to bring jobs, we need to offer them assistance in every way possible. We must display OUR willingness to invest in Monticello. We also must be persistent. Just as businesses are marketed, so should be our city. We must be encouraging. When we encourage each other, an optimistic feeling will be felt in Monticello. When a business owner sees Monticello to be accommodating, persistent, encouraging and optimistic, then, he or she will want to be our neighbor. Let’s be positive and EXPECT great things for Monticello.
Monticello Live is an excellent place for people to voice opinions AND ideas.
Thanks Jeff and Carolyn for this site.
Great comment, Rick! That’s probably the best comment from the “other side” of opinion of this project. Although I’m not completely sold on the idea, your comment helps bring some clarity and balance to my thinking.
This blog leaves a lot of unanswered questions.
First of all, the county sales tax is a road tax, not a convention center tax. It was passed by the voters of Drew County to maintain county roads, NOT build a convention center.
Nowhere in that blog did it mention that the county sales tax that is up for renewal in 2007 is a road tax. Even if the person who wrote the blog isn’t aware of that fact, it is somewhat disingenuous of Mr. Echols, who was just elected to the quorum court, not to point that out and explain how the county would maintain its road system if the sales tax revenues were used to build a $6 million convention center.
Second, if the voters, in what would be a serious lapse of judgment, were to dedicate that ROAD tax to the construction of a convention center, how in the world would we pay the maintenance and upkeep on it? It certainly wouldn’t pay for itself. (We’re already making payments on a spec building that has sat empty since it was constructed.)
As we all know, Drew County is a “dry” county. How many conventions would Monticello be able to attract?
Third, I understand Mr. Echols is also promoting a proposed renovation and expansion of Drew Memorial Hospital.
How, Mr. Echols, are we going to pay for a convention center, a hospital expansion and maintain the county road system with a 1-cent sales tax, that generates about $1.5 million annually?
I’m not a rocket scientist, but I have enough sense to know that $1.5 million doesn’t go THAT far.
Fourth, what did the MEDC have to do with the purchase of new fire trucks? Those trucks were purchased by the taxpayers of Monticello, not the MEDC.
Fifth, what did the MEDC have to do with the construction of the sports complex? That complex was build by the taxpayers of Monticello, not the MEDC.
Sixth, the MEDC was “reorganized” under the auspices of creating new jobs. I’d like to know how many new jobs the MEDC is responsible for bringing to this city.
To “A Local,”
You made some very good points, but in the spirit of dialogue, it is always more helpful to identify yourself rather than hide behind a nickname.
Mr. Echols did not attempt to deceive or mislead me. I simply was not aware of the difference in the taxes. In addition, it’s important to understand that this forum is not a source of comprehensive information. It’s rather difficult to cover an issue as broad as economic development in a few paragraphs.
However, I do appreciate the clarification and look forward to hearing more from the people and leaders of Monticello in this forum. More dialogue, ideas, and input will only strengthen our community and its development.
MEDC is a joke, there are less jobs now than there were before it was reorganized. That just screams failure to me. Have any of you have actually been to an MEDC meeting? Ive seen more useful information carved into a bathroom wall than Ive seen in MEDC reports. MEDC steals ideas from other towns then tries to apply those ideas to Monticello. What they fail to realize is Monticello is different from these other towns. They are using the Fayetteville town center as a model for our community center. The only thing Monticello and Fayetteville have in common is they are both cities in Arkansas. 3000 seats, are you kidding me? We cant even get 3000 people in Monticello to vote. Is every business in Southeast Arkansas going to have a joint convention to fill those seats?
Other people on this blog have applauded the MEDC’s progressive ideas like this convention center. Just because Monticello doesn’t have one doesn’t make it a progressive thought. If MEDC was doing their job they would have had this in the works 10 or 15 years ago before the entire state out grew Monticello. Now we dont need a convention center. We dont have the industry to support one our self and we are not attractive enough to businesses outside of Monticello. Why come to Monticello when you can go to a place that actually has something to offer besides a lone convention center.
Finally my biggest opposition to this convention center is how are we going to pay for it. If we use the county sales tax the county roads will no longer be maintained and if we pass a new tax we get to that 10 percent sales tax mark that is a definite red flag to any prospective business not to mention the business that are already here. Dumas passed a convention center tax that put them over the 10 percent mark and even Wal-mart couldn’t turn a profit.
Jeff, you’re right, I am “hiding” behind a nickname. But, does that make my opinion and questions less valid?
(This is a small town where jobs are pretty hard to come by and posting my name wouldn’t be advantageous to my livelihood, if you know what I mean.)
These pros and cons are wonderful debates that will bring things to light. I still feel the conv. center is a luxury item that would have been prime in years past. Look at cities around us-Star City,Fordyce,Warren,etc. did this help their job attraction?No! Infrastructure-hospitals,roads,schools,water,sewer,transportation access-all are legit to attract. Why is the road around our shining spots hospital and schools the worst? As far as MEDC, several control the lower paying jobs,fox guarding the henhouse. Yes, lets pass the tax, but have good planning and less suspender popping. Thanks for all input and views, we need more.
Jeff and Carolyn, Your website and blog is one of the most exciting developments I have seen in some time. One of the most difficult things we deal with on a continuing basis is the need to inform people about issues and opportunities and to get feedback. While we have an excellent weekly newspaper, it is impossible to stay current on what is going on and in the case of Monticello, ALL the things that are going on by reading it once a week. I appreciate Rick Hales positive comments and hope others who see the glass half full will contribute not only their feelings but their ideas.
To clarify a point or two, the MEDC does not and has not claimed any contribution to the development of the sports complex nor the purchase of fire trucks and other equipment. I do like to point out that the one cent sales tax is responsible for these great developments and we need to continue the progress that has been made.
With respect to the Town Center project, the MEDC did not just hatch that up. In 1997, when the planning was done to achieve the Arkansas Community of Excellence designation, there were literally hundreds of people that met endlessly (it seemed) to express themselves about what they wanted Monticello to look like when it grew up. One of the things they wanted was a place that people could go in air conditioned comfort to enjoy a high school or UAM graduation ceremony as an example. That’s how the number 3,000 was developed. They also wanted to be able to see entertainment events and have things like wedding receptions, family reunions, regional professional meetings and numerous other events. The design allows for three or more events to be held simultaneously as the moveable walls allow a lot of flexibility. One of the main benefits of a facility of this type is to bring more people to town where they are likely to spend money supporting local businesses and generating more sales tax that can be invested in projects that will make Monticello more attractive to prospective businesses and industry. In 1997. we did a non scientific survey that indicated approximately 60% of our sales tax revenue was generated from out of town. That is quite a gift!
With respect to the Industrial Park and Spec building it should be remembered that in 1997 there were no vacant buildings nor any industrial sites available to existing or prospective tenants in Monticello. We didn’t realize the extent of the transition of our state and national manufacturing economy at the time nor the speed with which it evaporated via China and other third world countries. We rapidly began the process of fighting a two front war: keeping what we had and trying to attract new industry. It is useful to note that there are currently 211 empty industrial buildings in Arkansas alone and over 7000 economic development entities fighting over the few new industrial developments and expansions. However, the MEDC was able to obtain a $1,000,000 grant that paid for the land, sewer, water and roads for our industrial park and we borrowed the money for the spec building. With the industrial park and a spec building, we are in the game; without it we can’t play. Ironically, the MEDC was criticized for not having a resource to offer. Now we are criticized for having it. Go figure! In the interim of course, Akin left for Dumas, Coke moved to Camden, and we all know about Burlington and others. We have had several prospects look at the spec building and we have one looking now but so far nothing has clicked. Another irony is that with both Burlington buildings sold and are in use by local industries and a prospect looking at the Spec building we could find ourselves in the same shape as 1997 with no vacant building to offer a prospect.
With the other needs identified in the planning process it was felt that infrastructure needs (fire and police), an industrial park and the sports complex were a higher priority than the Town Center. With the completion of the first phase of the sports complex and the industrial park in place (more later on the industrial park) and the bulk of the infrastructure in place it is time to turn our attention to the Town Center project. More later.
A Local -
No, your nickname does not diminish the validity of your opinions. Thank you, and everyone else (especially Jeff) for making this a useful public forum to voice the community’s current positions on this matter.
Although I want to be optimistic about the future of Monticello, and, as Mr. Hales has said, to be willing “to invest where we want others to invest,” you hit a very sore spot as you pointed out Monticello’s backward thinking prohibition policies on the sale of alcohol. I am in complete agreement with you that there are other more important reasons that industry is not attracted to our little, rural town; the puritanical “dry county” law is one of the most glaring of them.
Our three-thousand seat auditorium is not going to attract 21st century industry while we continue to live under 19th century politics. The 21st century business reflects 21st century ideals concerning free markets, the power of the consumer, and, along with this, personal responsibility! Living in a community which legislatively restricts the sale of alcohol to its members not only reeks of socialism, it is the furthest thing from “progressive” - which seems to be one of the buzz-words being batted around in this conversation.
Perhaps repealing the trogloditic practice of restricting the sale of alcohol, and taxing it (instead of inflating taxes across the board - again) could result in greater funding for community projects. More importantly, such a repeal would send the message to big industry prospects that Monticello has at least emerged from the stone age and is a “normal” place to live and do business.
Until this happens, let’s drop any notion that we might be seen as “progressive!”
As a student at MHS, I feel that the Community Center, in theory, sounds great! But I know that if I were an adult I wouldn’t be attracted to a town because they had an impressive community center. I would be attracted to a town that had great paying jobs! If this town had a 6 million dollar community center but a run-down “downtown,” I would quickly wonder where they community’s values rested. Yes, it would be very convenient to have an air-conditioned graduation ceremy but honestly we’re from the south, when demanding times call, we can handle the heat. I know that when I graduate high school and move on to college my one and only goal is to get out of Monticello because if I were to stay I would have so very few options for my life. This may not be the case in 5 years, but I can’t count on that. I feel fairly confident that others feel the same way. Therefore, I, in some ways, agree with the community center because it would “nice”. But I would rather see industry come and make Monticello “appealing” and “inviting” as well as “exciting.”
I applaud Sydney for having the courage to speak up and for having true concerns for our community! If only more teens truly cared about our community
Jeff & Carolyn,
First of all, thank you so much for creating an exciting venue for our community that provides both up-to-the-minute local news briefs and, a mechanism for individual comments. Most certainly something that our community has needed for some time. And with topics such as the ‘possible’ community center, ML has been the hot topic of conversations all over town.
I must say, that even though I am personally not totally in favor of such a complex, I have throughly enjoyed comparing both sides of the discussion. Thanks to Rick Hales and Ron Echols for allowing people like me to ’see the other side’ in a non-aggressive mannor. Your tact is greatly appreciated. I also must say a thank you to Sydney Selman for her youthful honesty, which cannot be taken lightly. I only wish that more of our teenagers would give items such as this more thought, and respond as Sydney has.
There has been a statement however, in a recent comment from an individual that has chosen to remain anonymous that I feel needs addressed.
To Another Local:
In your post, you said:
“Perhaps repealing the trogloditic practice of restricting the sale of alcohol, and taxing it (instead of inflating taxes across the board - again) could result in greater funding for community projects. More importantly, such a repeal would send the message to big industry prospects that Monticello has at least emerged from the stone age and is a “normal” place to live and do business.
Until this happens, let’s drop any notion that we might be seen as “progressive!””
This statement is obviously incorrect. I suggest that you investigate two of the fastest growing, “progressive” areas of our state: Craighead County and Benton County. Craighead, home of Jonesboro in Northeast Arkansas, and Benton, home of Bentonville and Rogers in Northwest Arkansas. These two areas of our state, are innovative and creative in their drive to see their counties, their communities thrive. Yet, BOTH of these counties are DRY! Both of these areas have rejected the notion that public sale of alcohol is the means to successful community growth, and I don’t believe that neither of these areas would be considered to be in the ’stone age’.
Is Monticello and Drew County as progressive as these other two, obviously not. Yet do we have someone (Ron Echols) and community groups (MEDC) that are attempting move us forward, YES. For Monticello to become successful and progressive, we need those like the MEDC to be aggressive and willing to think outside-the-box. And we need our community (people like me) to listen to those ideas that the MEDC has in a positive mannor and be open to the fact that our personal opinions just might be wrong.
Well I might as well put my two cents in. Personally having a community center in Monticello doesn’t really matter one way or the other to me. I probably could think of a lot of things I would rather see in Monticello….like a stop light in front of Wal Marts, a cut through road from Hwy 278 to the college, or maybe a putt putt golf course. Still I would love to see Monticello grow economically. So if it takes building community centers and spec buildings then lets do it.
When I think of the liquor issue I can’t help but think about towns like McGehee, Dermott, Hampton, where you see the package stores on the corners and the unatractiveness of that. If any sort of liquor law was going to be passed then it seems like a law that says you can only sale in restaurants and private clubs would be better . Maybe zone against package stores and neon signs. Can you have laws like this?
The other thing I wonder about is how big do we want Monticello to be. I know people say we need more and better paying jobs and I agree but there is great appeal for a town the size of Monticello. If you drive around you don’t see a lot of people living on the streets or in shanties. I know there are a lot of people who are considered low income but the larger it seems a town gets the poorer the people seem to be. Does that make any sense????
As a Drew Central High School student I am very excited about the community center. It would be nice to raise my family here and know that they have a safe positive place to go.
A community center could attract arts and entertainment which currently are not available. I also think that it would be smart for Monticello to do something for the future. I know as a kid we have always had to go out of town to see concerts and events.
My generation will benefit greatly from the work being done now by the MEDC. I plan to stay here and raise my family in this wonderful community.
We (Monticellonians) view ourselves as very progressive but we can’t seem to get everyone on the same page long enough to accomplish anything. We attend meetings, make plans, talk, attend more meetings, make more plans, and and talk some more, but we never seem to get very much done.
It seems that egos get in the way of our progress. We are simply going to have to put aside our egos and agendas and do what is in the best interest of the citizens of Monticello.
We’ve got to bring more people to the proverbial table and listen to what they have to say, even if we don’t agree with them.
As long as the same people are doing the same thing and saying the same things we are going to get the same results.
I can, however, think of a two very good examples in which everyone bought (or buys) into an idea or project. Both examples produced outstanding results.
One example is the annual Rough and Ready Festival. We are fortunate to have a hard working Chamber of Commerce director, chamber board, and volunteers committed to improving the festival every year.
I hope someday it will reach the level of Helen’s King Biscuit Blues Festival, a classic example of what you can do when an entire city gets behind a project. That festival draws 100,000 people to that small Delta town every year, but it takes the entire town to pull it off.
Another example is the ACE certification which we achieved in record-breaking time. No city in Arkansas has every completed the process as fast as we did.
The ACE certification was the result of teamwork, everyone was pulling in the same direction because we felt that our time, hard work, and opinions were valued and appreciated.
I read the comments from the people who responded to the proposed community center issue and was disappointed, Ron, that the only comment you indicated that you “appreciate” is was the “positive” comment made by Rick Hales and that you “hope others who see the glass half full will contribute not only their feelings but their ideas.”
What about the other comments and opinions that were expressed in this thread? Do you not want to hear those as well? Do you not appreciate the opinions of those who may not agree with you?
I hated asking those questions but that’s part of the problem. It seems that the only opinion that was appreciated was the opinion of the person who agreed with you and you wanted to hear more of the same.
Ron, I’m going to assume that I misjudged you, that your appreciation of Rick Hales’ “positive” comment doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t want to hear other opinions and ideas, and I’ll give you mine.
After reading your description of the community center, it occurred to me the proposed community center would more accurately fall under the traditional definition of “community development” rather than “economic development” because most of the examples cited (wedding receptions, family reunions, commencement ceremonies, etc…) will, for the most part, be locally planned and attended.
Looking at it from that perspective (something for Monticello residents to use and enjoy, rather than a money generator) it brings to mind Warren’s YMCA and how that city managed to fund the $4.3 million renovation of the facility without dipping into the city’s penny sales tax.
Warren received a $4.3 million grant from the Donald Reynolds Foundation. One of the stipulations was that the community had to come up with $800,000 to maintain the facility. The $800,000, set aside in a depreciation account, is expected to draw enough interest to maintain the facility.
It is important to note that Warren raised the $800,000 through contributions from individuals and local businesses and industry. They were able to do it because they were all on the same page. It was something they all believed in and wanted.
If we were to follow their example and aggresively pursue a Donrey (or similar) grant and grit our proverbial teeth and come up with the matching funds without using the sales tax money, we could renew the city sales tax to finish the sports complex, fund street improvements, purchase a traffic light for the “death trap” in front of Wal Mart, replace our aging water and sewer lines, do something about W.C. Whaley, build an adequate fire station, make additional improvements at Lake Monticello, provide incentives to businesses and industries interested in relocating, starting or expanding a business here, etc….
If you haven’t seen it, I urge you to go over there and take a look at it, it rivals anything you would see on a major university campus: fitness centers equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, an after-school center with about 20 computers, several multi-purpose rooms, a teen center with a large screen television and game tables, a board room and office space, and a commercial kitchen that opens on three sides to provide easy access from the after-school center, the gymnasium and the swimming pool.
I’d love to see us do something like that. If Warren can pull it off, so can we.
Please overlook the typos in my post above, I didn’t proof before I posted.
Thank you Patty! You bring a respectful intelligent dialog to this table. Your tone is inviting and progress does come from positive conversation. I have recently toured the Warren ‘Y’ and you are right. It is a shining example of a facility that will serve the entire community. The Y was destroyed by fire in 1944 and burned to the ground. The leadership back then realized how important it was to have this type of positive environment. In April of 1949, they dedicated a new building just less than five years after the total loss.
I hate it that they kick our tail in football but they kick everyone else’s too so that makes it easier to take. Is there a Warren Monticello a rivalry? You bet, but we can learn from our neighbors in their dedication to community. This Sunday, go to Mollies. Have the plate lunch and ride around. You will see a new Readiness Center for the military. Roads are being built. It ain’t all bad. Someone has stepped up and refused to let Warren die. The Donald W. Reynolds’s Foundation chose to be a part. That’s encouraging!
If concerned citizens must say things like,
MEDC is so out of tune with Monticello. JOBS,JOBS,JOBS guys are you listening?
MEDC is a joke…
Ive seen more useful information carved into a bathroom wall…
As far as MEDC, several control the lower paying jobs…
please do so in a way that is helpful and not distracting. Dialog under anonymity does not make it irrelevant but it does cause dissension. It’s very difficult to lead. It’s even harder when there are snipers in the weeds. It is a distraction that makes everyone less productive.
I’ll never believe that Mr. Echols is not concerned about all opinions. The best form of communication is respectful eye to eye discussion with a common goal in all concerned. I respect him for keeping his eye on the ball.
Thanks again for your participation and suggestions, Patty. It is inspiring to see our younger citizens speak up for what they believe. I hope that more good ideas come from the example you have set forth. Come on friends, let’s pull together and be part of the solution!
Mr. Hale are you so blinded by the weeds that you can’t see the reason why people say this about MEDC? The reason they say things like this is its true. Can you actually name one thing the MEDC has done in the past 5 years that has been a success?
The SPEC building is a complete failure, I know someone is looking at it but it seems someone has been looking at it for 5 years.
Monticello is losing jobs not to other countries or states but other towns in Southeast Arkansas; there is no reason why this should be happening.
It is not growth when one low paying LOCAL industry moves down road to an empty building.
I graduated from college 4 years ago and unlike many of my friends that have degrees I came back to Monticello. I was hoping to find a good job that could keep me in my hometown for a long time. But sadly, I was mistaken. Not only did I come back to a place with no potential jobs. I came back to a place that is unreceptive of young people. Many others of my ilk have found the same problems. When I was looking for a job many of the leaders of Monticello didn’t see me as a someone who graduated a year earlier or was on the Dean’s list my last 4 semesters. They saw me as a kid that they didn’t have time for. How can any community prosper when it treats their young adults in this fashion? I you know it or not young adults make the biggest economic contribution to growing communities. We have the biggest disposable income, we eat in your restaurants, shop in your stores, and go to your convention center. Whether people want to hear this or not we are also the ones that bring new ideas.
One thing I have noticed since I have been back is this town doesn’t do enough research before it jump into something. This Babe Ruth World Series was a prime example of the problems with this town. We pass a sales tax to build a sports complex. The sports complex isn’t built big enough or soon enough. Then Babe Ruth comes along and tells everyone Burlington Field needs all this money to bring in the Babe Ruth World Series. But the Mayor-elect promises we will get our money back because this World Series will be like a shot of adrenaline to our economy. Well what happens, nothing. We spend too much money on an inadequate sports complex in the middle of nowhere; we spent too much money on a “World” Series with four teams from Arkansas and the citizens are once again screwed by the community leaders making poor decision. All this could have been prevented if a little research and better planning would have gone into this sports complex. In college I lived 2 blocks away from a sports complex. It wasn’t brand-new or state of the art. But every night of the week games where being played out there from March until October. And on Saturdays there were tournaments. There wasn’t a sales tax passed to build these fields. There was proper planning. They knew to make small fields as well as normal size fields because more than small kids play baseball and softball. I’ve heard the argument that Phase II will build bigger fields for the older kids. If it was properly planned there wouldn’t be a phase II because there is a chance the tax may not be passed again. And if a convention center will be funded by this tax I certainly will not be voting for it again. That brings me to the World Series. If this sports complex would have been planned correctly, what better to showcase our town and what it will do for community growth than a brand new sports complex hosting a “World” Series? But no we had to pay for the sports complex with taxes then we had to take money away from street improvements and spend almost $200,000 on a field that was already there.
I’m sick of hearing people say lets pull together and make things better. It doesn’t matter if we pull together if we are pulling together to make poor decisions. When will this town have people that are competent enough to research a problem and fix it without force their agenda on others? Leaders it is possible to support something you didn’t come up with.
Rick, i think you missed my point. But that’s OK.
i don’t understand why the opinions of those who are posting anonymously (or those who don’t make what you refer to as “positive” comments) have less creditibility here. There have been some pretty interesting and insighful (not to mention funny) comments posted here anonymously.
One of our most important civic functions and the ultimate expression of opinion is done anonymously… voting.
The community center sounds nice. I don’t live there, but I’m sure the center would be very needed.
I agree 100 percent Patty’s statement about ultimate expression of opinion is done anonymously. The problem is that we are not voting here. We are communicating our views to one another. If we do not feel strongly enough about something to stand up (and be recognized) then I do have problem with the motive. We are a place of democracy and that should be kept sacred. The most important civic function ever was the signing of the Declaration of Independence. What would it be worth if the men behind it refused to put their name on it?
Let’s continue to exchange ideas but to increase their value, we must remain willing accept the responsibility for our words.
AMEN, Rick!
I was very pleased to return from a trip and see all the comments posted. Patty, I do value all opinions however I can’t honestly say I value anonymous opinions as much as I do those who have their names attached. I do appreciate the fact you are posting as it validates the site. Your opinions are always respected.
I need to comment on a sentence in the last paragraph of John’s comments. “When will this town have people that are competent enough to research a problem and fix it without forcing their opinion on others. Leaders, it is possible to support something you didn ‘t come up with.” John, you may well be one of those people and I encourage you to become involved. None of the meetings I attend are closed. At MEDC, the Chamber, City Council, Quorum Court where important decisions are made regularly, attendance by the public is encouraged and appreciated. Input and ideas are valued. Remember, more than 95% of the work that is done in this community is done by volunteers who take time from their jobs, businesses and families to try and make this a better community. There is much to be done and we need everyone that can to help in their own way.
Regarding the Town Center Project, we developed the original design with the idea of getting a Reynolds Foundation grant. When we completed the plans, we contacted the Foundation and was told that they didn’t make grants for this type project any longer. Their focus had changed and they were going in another direction. So we scaled the scope of the project back to its present state. It is important to recognize that this Town Center, in and of it self won’t transform Monticello, but in conjunction with the University, good schools, entertainment, a clean environment and the other attributes of our town it will make Monticello more attractive to prospective businesses and industry. We will certainly apply for grants and any other sources of money to help build it but I don’t see any way to make it work without at least some sales tax money. Whether it becomes a reality depends on the extention of the sales tax next year. Assuming it passes, then the City Council would have to approve the project so there are several steps before it can become a reality and plenty of opportunities for everyone to make their views known.
The MEDC’s objective is to help create an economic environment that is so strong that no child will have to leave the area to find meaningful employment. Are we there yet? No! There is much to do.
The MEDC Mission statement is as follow:
* We will leverage our financial, political and human capital to strengthen the economic environment in Monticello and Drew County.
* We will foster a climate for business and industry to start, grow and operate profitably while enhancing the earning opportunities for every citizen.
* We will utilize our institutions and volunteers to sustain and grow the educational, healthcare, social, cultural and recreational resources in our community.
* We will enhance our quality of life by providing a safe, clean and friendly environment for our citizens and visitors.
Our vision is to be recognized as the economic, educational and cultural leader of Southeast Arkansas.
It is established doctrine among economic developers that economic development is community development.
I understand work should be starting soon on a signal light at the north entrance of Walmart.
Last, but perhaps more important, I am delighted to see the comments of Sidney and Jamie. We can develop our community to the point that young people want to stay here. They are the future. More later.
Ron Echols
The main reason Monticello is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on economic development is to bring jobs. I read your “mission statement” but none of that really matters if there’s no decent paying jobs to employ our citizens. Monticello just lost an industry that was relocating from the Gulf Coast. We didn’t lose it to Central Arkansas or NW Arkansas. We lost it to Rison. Can we not compete with Rison? Mr. Echols you keep fighting for that community center, because that’s what’s really important. I sure wish there was a sarcasm button on this thing.
Okay, I gotta jump back on the bandwagon on this. Leaders of a community group such as the MEDC are easy targets of blame for uncontrollable circumstances. I don’t believe that the MEDC had anything to do with the Burlington shutdown or had much say in this company moving to Rison instead of Monticello. We must give credit and criticism where it is due (instead of where it’s not). This group of people are trying to cast some vision for the community, and trying to accomplish things that may take decades to complete. It’s a good thing to have some vision, a picture of the possibilities of Monticello’s future. Some of us may not agree with the timing or steps that the MEDC is proposing to take. It’s okay to disagree, but in that we have the responsibility as citizens and educate ourselves about what we are disagreeing with (instead of jumping on the “I’m against it” bandwagon), and get involved! The MEDC, City council, School boards, ect, are dying to hear from people (one on one - not through the grapevine). They can’t come up with all of the answers themselves, nor do I believe they want to have all the answers. I’m convinced there are people out there in Monticello who have ideas that nobody else have thought of which could be just what is needed to get things moving. As I have said in my blog, there is no one-button solution to making Monticello prosperous again. It’s going to take hard work, time, and some vision to make it happen. I know I’ve come across critical of the MEDC myself, but criticism without eduction and involvement is pointless. So stay tuned to MonticelloLive, attend meetings, talk to these brilliant leaders, ask questions, get involved, and for heaven’s sake - VOTE!
We have had consistent negative comments left by someone from a Houston, TX IP address that we have added to our spam filter on the site. Not only were the comments consistently negative and attack-oriented, but the commenter refused to leave valid email addresses or identify himself.
We wanted to make the commenters here aware of that, since this particular post is the main one for which the commenter seems intent on leaving feedback.
half the folks on here dont identify themselves.im gonna start my on site about monticello and let people know what really goes on and how this site is censored. to allow only one viewpoint.
Edited: We’ve allowed this comment only to show that the person is now trying to find other IP addresses from which to comment since we’ve isolated his previous ones. It’s not that we don’t allow opposing viewpoints, it’s that we will not tolerate mean, malicious and defamatory talk directed at others, especially when it is anonymous. Anonymous posting is fine when it is done with sincere intentions to contribute in a helpful way to the ongoing conversation or discussion, not when it is used to cowardly demean others or their views… MLive
Six million dollars represent four years recipts of a one cent sales tax. Thats a lot of money. When you look at the problems a city the size of Pine Bluff has with its convention center, it makes me ask why Monticello would be more successful. Who in the world would use such a facility and how often.
As for a convention center attracting industry, I don’t think that is what I would be looking for if I were considering locating a plant here. I don’t claim to have the answers as to how to attract industry but I do believe that our tax structure is a detriment. A sales or use tax at about 10 percent is prohibitive, not only to any business operations, but also to the owners and/or employees that might locate here. Add on to that a seven percent income tax and sky high property taxes, we have a tax structure that is not attractive to outsiders.
Just my opinion.
Just to add to my comments above and respond to posters who attribute Drew County being dry as contributing to a lack of industrial development, I don’t think there are many companies out there who count liquor stores to determine where to plant a business.
Gary, regarding your comments about Monticello losing the pole treating plant to Rison, you would be interested in knowing how that came about. The MEDC was contacted in March by the Principal who expressed a desire to locate a pole treating plant here in Monticello. He needed 30 acres. He had visited the area anonymously and determined that Monticello had the most to offer employees with regard to lifestyle. He was a supplier to C&L Electric Cooperative and his one stipulation was that his plant had to be served by C&L. We offered him 30 acres in the industrial park but he refused it because it was served by Entergy. He was also a customer of Plum Creek so he made arrangements for acreage near Wilmar served by C&L. He required a large volume of natural gas and Centerpoint energy was contacted about their ability to serve the plant. The pipeline company from St Louis took about two months to determine that yes, they could tap into the line and Centerpoint could provide the gas. In the meantime the Principal had a meeting with C&L executives and told them of his plans. It was announced at the next board meeting and within days, the folks in Rison had offered him free land and help with logistics. We were unable to compete as the MEDC does not have the money to purchase 30 acres and donate it.
This does underscore the need to have an economic development fund that can be used in situations like that. It also underscores another point, that often, prospects are looking at our community anonymously and what they see can determine if they want to be a part of it or go on to the next community that has more to offer with regard to quality of life. And that is before incentives are even discussed. There are many communities that have more to offer than we do. More later.
Ron Echols
Mr. Searcy,
No disrespect intended, but you have misunderstood my point entirely. I originally brought up the alcohol policies simply to counter the notion (which kept being stated) that Monticello is peopled by “progressives.” If there were progressive officials in Monticello, at least as that term is normally understood, the restrictions on the sale of alcohol would be repealed. This was a minor point. Your point about the tax structure is certainly a bigger reason why industry avoids moving to our city. Companies certainly don’t make decisions based on the availability of liquor stores, but I believe they do favor an environment that is “open” to progress versus one that looks oppressive socially or financially - like ours.
No one has yet argued against the idea that allowing the sale of alcohol and taxing it heavily would not be a good idea to combat both of these issues. The taxation would ensure that we are not overrun by “liquor stores,” but the sales would generate tax money which could then alleviate other current tax burdens. Until I hear a sound economic argument against this proposition, I will continue to believe that opinions against it stem mainly from repressive moral sentiment rather than sound economic judgments.
Misc. headlines and links to stories about the Pine Bluff Convention Center:
TOUGH TIMES AHEAD FOR CONVENTION CENTER
http://pbcommercial.com/articles/2002/04/13/news/export19559.txt
CONVENTION CENTER SEES $140,000 LOSS
http://pbcommercial.com/articles/2003/08/26/news/export23009.txt
CONVENTION CENTER STRUGGLES TO REPAIR WITHOUT STATE FUNDS
http://pbcommercial.com/articles/2005/07/16/news/news1.txt
CONVENTION CENTER NEEDS LOAN TO REPAIR ROOF
http://pbcommercial.com/articles/2006/01/20/news/news1.txt
BOND ISSUE OK’D FOR PINE BLUFF CONVENTION CENTER AIR SYSTEM
http://pbcommercial.com/articles/2003/05/19/news/export24454.txt
PB CITY COUNCIL TO HIGHLIGHT CONVENTION CENTER ISSUES
http://pbcommercial.com/articles/2002/04/13/news/export19562.txt
CENTER’S WALLET GETTING THINNER
http://pbcommercial.com/articles/2006/05/01/news/news2.txt
HOTEL EXECUTIVE BLAMES LACK OF (CONVENTION CENTER) BOOKINGS
http://pbcommercial.com/articles/2003/07/25/news/export23836.txt
Why did you delete the post to links to news stories about the Pine Bluff Convention Center woes?
It wasn’t deleted. Posts with lots of links in them automatically go into moderation. The program thinks they’re spam. After reviewing them, we delete or approve them. Thanks for your comment and question.
Jeff,
Thank you so much for making this forum available to the citizens of Monticello. I was born and raised in Southeast Arknsas and Monticello has been my home for 14 years. I have been a volunteer in the community and held employment positions that have allowed me to be very informed of political, social, and economic issues.
Reading through the posts on your site, I am reminded of how easily citizens can be mislead by morsils of truth mixed into a dough of misunderstanding. If I can offer one plea to all who read this post, it is to become involved! Attend public meetings as often as you can. Volunteer your time and talents liberally. Don’t make the mistake of snap-judgement. Do the research and use your intelligence. If you don’t agree with decisions made by our local leadership, your communication to them through the open forum of their respective meetings or personal visits with them allows you to ask questions and share views in a possitive manner.
Too often I am faced with the challenge of defending Southeast Arkansas and the delta to my peers. I always stand firm and say “We may not be perfect, but our region is full of intelligent, hard-working people who are busting their butts to make a difference.” Yes, we have made mistakes in the past. But, we will do better.
To everyone I issue this challenge: Remember that we are “One nation under God” PRAY! and VOTE!
If your vote is not guided by prayer you are not utilizing all your resources to make the right choice. If you are not voting, you are giving away your choice!
Thank you…
Enjoy reading your website and found this forum in the archives.
Lived in Monticello most of my life, went A&M and have lived in either
Cleveland or New Concord since college.
Local adjacent town (Cambridge, OH) received couple of million in a will that
stipulated local population must match the willed funds within a period of
time. Then the combination of those funds would build an a community
center similiar to what is being discussed here.
Initial discussions where just like these, most doubting the need and
how to fund continuing operation.
I was in that group of thinking.
Surpisingly it has been a success.
This center as been used for everthing imaginable. gun shows, dog shows,
Chamber of Commernce sponsored events, local plays, high school graduations, weddings, government conferences
and more.
The center has made the town the place for events within a 30-50
radius.
Every weekend and most weekedays have lots of cars in parking lot
and events on the sign in front.
I don’t recall many weekends when parking lot did not have many cars in it.
mileseven more of a commerce and leadership
of this area. Just as Monticello with it’s college already is.
I would suggest you follow up with our center Pritchard Laughlin Center
in Cambridge, Ohio for more information.
Monticello is fortunate visionaries in past did what it required to
get the college. Everyone living in Monticello has received the
dividends of those people.
I grew up in a college town, live in a college town now, will be moving
to another college town this spring. Best living there is!
Good luck and I am proud Monticello is still leading the progress
in Southeastern Arkansas.
John Hunter