Monette Council approves budget

Monette City Council approved the $710,700 budget for 2019 during the Dec. 17 meeting at the Buffalo Island Museum.

The council passed Ordinance 2018-5 to approve the 2019 budget. Individual department budgets include: General Fund $710,700; Water $306,000; Sewer $273,500; Sanitation $131,000; Street $161,750; Park $34,550; Memorial Cemetery $30,100; Beautification $10,050; Buffalo Island Museum $5,155; Fire Department $35,100; and Veteran’s Park $3,100.

Mayor Chub Qualls expressed his appreciation to the city officials present for their support during his 12 years in office.

“I appreciate each and every one of you,” Qualls said. “You have cooperated and supported me all these years. You have put your heart and dedication into your work for the community. Bob Blankenship (incoming mayor) will have a great council to continue his work here.”

Councilmen voiced their appreciation for Qualls' work as mayor. A drop-in reception is planned to honor Qualls from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, at the Monette Community Center.

Other business discussed during the short session included: mowing of the city highway roadside properties and plans for new contract; need for 11 street light bulb replacements; need for city drainage; and review of the old Police Department building lease.

The city paid $1,500 for mowing 15' of roadside properties along Drew Avenue this year and plans are to contract three mowings in 2019 for $3,300.

The old Police Department lease agreement with Craighead County for building on Drew Avenue will expire Dec. 31, 2018. Only a few items remain for removal in the vacated building. Plans are to remove Police Department panels in front of the building. A letter will be sent to the county notifying them they do not wish to renew the lease, since the Police Department has moved into its new facility.

New Monette officials will take oath of office on Jan. 2 at Black Oak City Hall.

Incoming Mayor Bob Blankenship has called a council working meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at city hall.

The next regular council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28.