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City sends second proposal to county Melodie Phelps News Editor After reviewing a proposal from the county for renewing a fire protection agreement, Monticello City Council then approved a new proposal of their own. Under this new proposal, the agreement between city and county government for fire protection would be ongoing, with an annual price tag of $100,000 for the county. The proposal, which was presented by Councilman Jeffrey Edwards, would also set up a joint fire protection committee, with representatives from each government entity. The committee would meet quarterly to review the fire department budget, as well as the cost of equipment. This committee would determine if an increase is needed in the budget to provide better fire protection for all residents, and the city and county would share necessary increases. Last week, the Wayne County Fiscal Court had approved a counter proposal, agreeing to pay $70,000 annually for fire protection. The council did not discuss this proposal, instead reviewing Edwards¹ plan. Several council members voiced support for the plan. ³Personally, I think this is a pretty fair proposal,² said Councilman Gene Jones. Monticello Mayor Thurston Frye indicated that this type of plan, with a committee representing the council and the fiscal court, could help alleviate some of the concern the county has with the fire department¹s budget. ³This way, we can pin the budget down. They can see it and we can see it,² stated Frye. Under this new proposal, the contract would not include an expiration date. Instead, either party could opt out with a six-month written notice. The council unanimously approved the proposal and asked that it be immediately forwarded to fiscal court. Currently, the city is providing fire protection to county residents under a contract extension, which will expire March 31. ³Hopefully, the county will look at this and we¹ll see what their response is,² said Frye. ³The ball is in their court as to what they want to do.² Later in the meeting Monday night, Frye informed the council about state funding that has been awarded for several Wayne County projects. The largest chunk of state money was awarded to the Telecommunications Board. They received $1 million for their fiber to the home project. The city received $300,000 for sewer extension projects and $350,000 for several small water projects. Frye explained that the water projects will take place in areas that may have been deleted from previous extension projects. David Frost, Captain of the Wayne County Rescue Squad, requested that the council consider donating money to the Rescue Squad toward the purchase of two ATV¹s. Frost said a recent four-wheeler accident that occurred in the mountains had made the squad and volunteers more aware of the need for off-road vehicles. Frost said that the Rescue Squad has depended on its members or members of a community where they have been called for ATV assistance. He said the squad can purchase two ATV¹s at a cost of $10,000. The City of Monticello donates $2,000 each year to the Rescue Squad. Frye indicated that next year¹s city budget will be a tight one and it would be difficult to donate $10,000 to the Rescue Squad. Add a comment |
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