Post Messenger Recorder -

On Wednesday, January 10,   the Monticello Village Board held a Public Hearing in the Rehmstedt Gym to inform the residents of the Village of Monticello about a proposed referendum for operating expenses. Less than 40 residents attended the meeting, which was led by Village President Teresa Dunlap. Also in attendance were Trustees Dan Pederson, Larry Strause and John Teasdale.

The proposed referendum would be on the April ballot as an advisory referendum. If it passed, it would then be on the November ballot. Dunlap noted that the board was looking for feedback from the public. 

In the presentation, she told the residents that the board was looking for $1,090,000 over a five-year period. Dunlap reviewed a master list of items that would be serviced by the referendum. She pointed out that some of the items on the list needed to be done, no matter what. According to State Law, referendums must be specific, and the money must be used for the items that are listed. 

That $1,090,000 would add approximately $288 per $100,000 of assessed value, per year, to homeowner’s tax bills for five years. Dunlap was asked what happens after five years and she said, “I don’t know.”

The amount of $1,090,000 as a result of a master list of needs discussed at the January 3rd meeting. Included in the master list: Capitol Equipment, $350,000; Road Maintenance, $310,000; fire truck, $175,000; Pool, $125,000; Employee Retention, $40,000; Squad Car, $25,000; Cemetery, $15,000; Computers and electronics, $15,000 and Staff Training $35,000.

The amounts listed are in addition to the budget. Some are for use over five years, such as the $25,000 for a squad car, which will be added to the $5,000 per year currently in the budget. It was noted that the village is looking to buy a Tahoe for a new squad car, board members said they had been told by Chief Conway that it would last 10 years.  Other items, like the fire truck and pool expenses, are basically for something that will need to be paid for. The fire department is planning on buying a new truck and the village’s share is estimated at $175,000 and the village only has $5,000 in the fund for new truck. The pool needs new pumps, doors and other maintenance items.  The village’s computers are outdated, and need to be replaced to run programs that are mandated. The $310,000 for road maintenance will go to replacing street surfaces, but not the sewer and water lines below street level. 

It was pointed out that having the extra funds would allow money to be put away for replacement items instead of being forced to borrow money when something comes up.

Trustee John Teasdale said the biggest issue is the state’s levy limits. State levy limit laws are based on construction. Dunlap pointed out that the last big construction project was for $500,000 and that raised the levy limit by only $4,000.

Teasdale said, “We need to decide if we’re going to let the state beat us down.” 

Dunlap also pointed out early in the meeting  that not included in the referendum was any money for the Waste Water Treatment plant.  There are a number of projects that will have to be completed, however consumer water and sewer bills will have to be increased to cover these expenses.

Dunlap ended the Public Hearing by saying that the board was interested in public opinion on the proposed referendum. The board will discuss the referendum at their January 17th meeting.