The Monticello Village Board met for their regular meeting on September 4, 2019. All trustees were in attendance.

Cara Carpenter, Executive Director of the Green County Development Corporation, spoke to the board about some Housing and Workforce studies that had been completed. The studies show what is believed to be necessary for workforce housing in Green County as a whole, as well as in various communities in Green County. The study for Green County can be found here: https://greencountyedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Green-County-Housing-and-Workforce-Study.pdf.

The study for Monticello can be found here: https://greencountyedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Monticello-Housing-and-Workforce-Study.pdf.

Carper noted that Green County already has a housing shortage. She noted that many employers are finding that the shortage is making it difficult to find employees.

Following Carper’s presentation, the board discussed the hiring of an additional police officer. It was decided that if the Public Safety Committee could come up with the money in next year’s budget, they could proceed with the hiring. Village President Leaora Miller commented that the board will have the money for this year.

Monticello Library Director Katrina Linde-Moriarty gave the board an overview of plans for programs and the remodel of space in the library. She congratulated Jacob Duerst for reading 327 hours this summer. To celebrate this accomplishment, he was invited to smash a pie in her face. Village President Leaora Miller and Police Chief Szvon Conway said that next year they would volunteer to get pies in the face.

In other matters:

The board approved the purchase of a John Deere mower and deck for $7,300.

A representative from Casey’s informed the board that the company was no longer interested in selling liquor from the drive-up window. They will be selling other items, including tobacco, from that location.

The board approved the appointment of Village Clerk Ann Goers to countersign checks.

Vacation for Sergeant Harkey from September 18 to October 2, 2019, was approved.

The next Monticello Economic Development meeting will be held on September 23, 2019, in the Village Hall boardroom.