Monticello — Monticello City Council declared an emergency Monday evening and agreed

to purchase a new fire truck for the city's department. By moving ahead with

the purchase, the city can lock in the price for the truck before it

increases at the first of the year.

Fire Chief Steve Ferrell noted that the truck is a vital component for

the city to maintain its current ISO rating of Class 5, which translates

into lower homeowners' insurance rates. To keep this rating the city must

have three engines and one ladder truck. It currently has only two engines

and a ladder truck and has been using the county's pumper as the third

engine.

The new truck will cost approximately $320,000, according to Ferrell.

The council authorized the fire chief and the mayor to work out the

details of the purchase and to sign all required documents for the purchase.

Also during Monday's meeting, the council agreed to allow

representatives from Western Kentucky Univer-sity and the National

Speleological Society to explore and map caves under Monticello. Dr. Lee

Florea, a professor with Western Kentucky University, made a presentation to

the council regarding some of the work done by the group. He said that as of

December 2006, 296 caves were identified in Wayne County.

"We know there are a lot more out there," said Florea. "We know there

are caves in Monticello and we think we can aid you by surveying those caves

pro bono."

Florea identified two Kentucky statutes that would relieve the city of

any liability during this effort. He also said the group would sign a

release of liability waiver before doing any work.

The council heard the first reading of an ordinance amending the

personnel policies and procedures ordinance, creating a police clerk

position. Mayor Kenneth Catron noted he had received several calls

concerning this and he pointed out that this is basically a transfer of a

position. He said that the transfer would be from the 911 dispatching

department to this position.

No action was taken on the first reading.

During his report to the council, Monticello Utility Commission Manager

Gene Jones said that they have been looking at losses in the garbage

department. Jones explained that the Utility Commission is picking up more

than the allotted 12 bags of garbage per month at residences, and they are

considering the possibility of increasing the charge for extra bags of

garbage.

Currently residents are charged 84 cents per bag if they go over 12 bags

per month. At last week's MUC meeting, the group discussed the possibility

of increasing that to $1.50 per bag.

Catron noted that the council would look at the proposal and would make

a decision later.