Discussion of the need for a 3% water rate increase was brought before the Council by Mayor Allen Maxwell.

Because of an aging water system, maintenance, repairs and replacement costs are increasing significantly. It was pointed out that Monticello has some of the lowest water rates of any of the surrounding cities. Data for last year’s costs will be compiled and this matter will be discussed at upcoming meetings.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Also in the meeting, the Mayor advised the Council about the circumstances surrounding the Mt. Zion Water Association. It was decided that no further action would be taken until representatives for Mt. Zion appear before the Council.

During the “Mayor’s Report” at the City Council meeting, Mayor Allen Maxwell told the council an architect and an engineer will be here Friday to determine what will have to be done to repair the City Hall, MEDC, Fire Dept. and Police Dept. structures.

Maxwell said his goal is to get it to where “this entire building doesn’t leak”.  He specifically mentioned the leaks and falling ceiling tiles in the police dept., which have pans and buckets scattered around to catch the water.  He described the drippings as “tobacco juice” that has accumulated over the years.

Maxwell also updated the council on his work assembling a new parks commission and planning commission, and asked voluteers to contact him.

He also outlined his recent meetings with city  dept. heards.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

At Thursday night’s City Council meeting Mayor Allen Maxwell informed the council about financial issues faced by the city’s water department.

Read the rest of this entry »