Monticello approves new fee schedule

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the Monticello City Council approved a new fee schedule, gave a 12-month extension on a building project, and approved participation in events celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday.
Members of the city council approved a resolution updating the consolidated fee schedule for the city at the September 23rd meeting.
Among the changes are a fee adjusting culinary water rates to encourage conservation, an average increase of $3.61 per month for a 5,000-gallon household usage.
Other adjustments include a $5 increase for yard waste and construction prices at the landfill. The city will also impose the state-mandated fee for uncovered/unsecured loads, the city will double the load cost to follow the county landfill plan, or a $10 minimum fine, whichever is greater.
The city will also increase fees at the Hideout Golf Course and include fees for visitors who buy water at the Welcome Center.
Members of the city council also approved a resolution supporting the America 250 initiative. The resolution formally recognized the Monticello City 250 Community Committee, which is made up of residents planning local activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Activities being planned include a travel exhibit, service projects, performances, and an America’s potluck event on July 5th. Formalizing the partnership opens up funds from the city from the state to fund the events.
Members of the Monticello City Council approved a 12-month extension for a building permit of an incomplete residential property at the latest meeting. Members of the council approved the extension with stipulations in place, including check-ins, timelines, and a nine-month review.
Members of the City Council reviewed a request from the property owner on Oak Crest Drive for a 12-month extension on the building permit for the property.
The original permit was granted in July 2020. At an August meeting, Assistant City Manager Megan Gallegos provided a history of the project, with a complaint filed against the property in February 2024. After taking care of the incident, the city issued a new permit in August 2024 with a certification of occupation due by August 25.
After hearing about hardships related to the project by property owner Johnny Redd, the council agreed to hear the request at their September 23 meeting to consider an extension, asking for a plan with milestones and proof of financing.
During the meeting, council members expressed concerns about the lack of documentation proving financial capacity to complete the project. Redd argued that he had sufficient funds for the immediate future, but did not want to incur interest on loans with rates being high. Redd did confirm that he could acquire a home equity loan or line of credit within a week when necessary.
City representatives added that the issue has been ongoing for five years, placing the project “way outside the bounds of city code”.
With concerns voiced, the council did grant a 12-month building permit extension with stipulations outlined, including monthly check-ins, including photo proof of work completed with Gallegos, and a detailed timeline due to Gallegos on October 10th with monthly milestones.
The council also requested that Gallegos report to the council if the project falls significantly behind schedule, as well as a nine-month review of the project before the council.
Members of the council also discussed the general plan update with conversations about required elements of the plan, as well as optional elements, including a water use and prevention strategy, which is of particular interest in the area. City staff noted that a community-wide questionnaire to gather citizen input will begin on October 1.