Monticello — The Monticello City Council will return a copy of the proposed E-911

board's budget for next year with a letter explaining that the city cannot

afford to contribute more than $120,000. That's the same amount that the

city provided for the E-911 board for the current fiscal year, and City

Clerk-Treasurer Greg Latham noted that the council cannot afford the $90,000

increase that was part of the new budget proposal.

The E-911 board recently voted to forward a copy of the budget proposal

to city and county government for their review and input. The budget has not

been formally approved by the board.

Latham noted that the city has expended its "rainy day" funds and will

likely have to look at tightening its belt next year. That could mean less

blacktopping and other cuts in the budget. The city has lost a significant

chunk of its revenues because of the downturn in the economy. Latham noted

that last year the money generated through the insurance premium tax

decreased by about $110,000. He estimated that would drop by at least

$10,000 to $20,000 this year.

"It could take us three or four years to get back to where we were,"

noted Latham.

Mayor Kenneth Catron noted that the city provides the building and the

utilities for the 911 dispatching service.

While no formal action was taken by the council, it was the consensus to

write the letter noting that no more than $120,000 will be available from

the city next year for E-911 service.

In other action, the council:

€ Approved the reappointment of Jess Davis to the Monticello Housing

Authority.

€ Heard the first reading of a budget amendment ordinance for the

current fiscal year. No action was taken regarding the amendment, since it

was only the first reading.

€ Heard a report from Monticello Utility Commission Manager Gene Jones

who noted that spring flushing of fire hydrants will begin in about two

weeks. He said it will be completed in zones and local residents will be

informed in regard to the schedule. Jones also noted that blacktopping for

Phase II of the downtown project should begin soon.

€ Agreed to replace a weight limit sign in Colonial Estates that has

been removed.

€ Agreed to put a street light on Cynthia Drive in Appletree Park.

€ Heard a report from Mayor Kenneth Catron who noted that the

construction of the wall on South Main Street has been scaled down somewhat

and new drawings have been completed for that project. Catron also noted

that Tom Fern and other officials from USDA will be at The ASPIRE Center in

Monticello on Thursday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. for an announcement regarding

the water plant project.