Monticello — Monticello Utility Commission employees will receive an additional two

percent pay raise, following action taken by MUC board members during their

regular monthly meeting last Thursday, July 10.

Board member Alvin Sexton recommended that the board grant a two percent

pay raise to bring their employees' pay increase in line with what city and

county employees had received. He noted that both of these entities granted

a five percent pay increase for their employees, but the MUC had only

approved a three percent pay increase initially. The additional two percent

raise would give MUC employees a five percent increase, which would match

the percentage granted to city and county employees.

In other action, board member Juanita Allen recommended that the MUC

assist the city in purchasing a new fire truck for the City of Monticello.

All members of the board voted in favor of the action with the exception of

Alvin Sexton, who abstained. Sexton noted that he felt Monticello had to

best fire department anywhere but he could not in good conscience vote in

favor of the action because of the MUC's economic situation. He added that

he did not want to spend the money simply because the utility commission had

it, so rather than voting for or against the recommendation he decided to

abstain.

In other news, the board:

€ heard the reading of a resolution to amend the water purchase contract

between the Monticello Utility Commission and Bronston Water Association.

Jonathan Edwards, legal counsel for the MUC, informed the board that

everything for the amended resolution had been approved.

€ declared a 1998 Dodge Dakota as surplus property and voted to

advertise for bids on it.

€ voted to purchase a new meter truck.

€ approved hiring Tommy Gregory to work on the garbage truck.

€ heard departmental reports from Glen Ramsey, who reported on the water

plant; Donnie Lester, who gave a report on the wastewater plant; James

Shoemaker, who gave a report on activity for the service line crew; and Rick

Massengale, who gave the financial report.

€ heard a report from Gene Jones, system manager. Jones noted that much

of the system is older and in need of repair and he pointed out some of the

things that would need to be looked at and repaired in upcoming months.



Thank you event set for Sister Barbara

For 26 years, Sister Barbara Walsh has called Monticello home. To

express appreciation for all she has done for the people in this area, a

farewell and thank you event will be held on Saturday, July 19 from 3:30

until 6:30 p.m. at the Wayne County Extension Office.

For more information about the event, call Sister Ann at (606) 348-9548

or Debbie Tobbe at (606) 348-5998.