Last month I had the opportunity to join local history buffs to proclaim March, Archaeology Month. The highlight of Archaeology Month was a weeklong volunteer dig at the Hollywood Plantation near Winchester? the site of the historic pre-civil war log cabin that is currently being restored and developed into a heritage site by UAM. I mention this project because it is such a great example of what is right about our community in 2016.
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At Thursday’s parks comittee meeting, Mayor Zack Tucker discussed the possibility of hiring a full-time city parks director.
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Sunday morning, around 3:30, while most of the county was sleeping, the Sheriff’s Dept. began a manhunt for a jail escapee from Fordyce, who had been convicted of Murder, in 1998. The search continued until 11 am, Monday, with most offiers only getting around 3-4 hours sleep.

Monticello Police officers joined the search a couple of hours later, and they also were past midnight, working to apprehend the felon, who was a threat to the town they serve and protect. They also put the needs of residents in front of their own.

When Tuesday’s wildfire was reported, our Monticello Fire Dept., along with the Arkansas Forestry Commission, battled the blaze for over 6 hours, as the fire changed directions, as the wind changed several times, in the smoke and fire and fumes.

We need to recognize how valuable our first responders are to our community; keeping us safe, regardless of the threat that they are protecting us from.

Monday night, the City Council, at 6pm, to discuss he proposed  salary scale for city employees..
The Mayor’s request regarding salaries requested a plan to “levelize” the varying salaries among workers, from when there were fewer pay guidelines.

Posted below (from an  earlier article) are the current and proposed salaries for the city employees that will earn over $40,000, and the employees that are scheduled to receive over a $3,000 pay increase, plus a couple of other positions, of public interest.

Position Years Proposed Salary Current Salary
ADMINISTRATION
Administrative Asst—–0—– $25,292.29 $18,720.00
Finance Director —–3 —–$52,956.43 $39,033.80
Asst to the Mayor —–1 —–$37,142.57 $35,006.40
Mayor 1 —–$63,603.80—– $63,603.80
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