Monticello committee delays recommendation on police, fire and administration facilities until Sept. 22

A Monticello committee that reviewed options for the police, fire and city administration buildings said it will bring a formal recommendation to the city council at its Sept. 22 meeting after exploring lower-cost design options.

The committee — which met six times between May and August — evaluated current and future space needs for Monticello Police, Fire and administration departments, examined limitations of existing buildings and received conceptual designs from the firm Farnsworth. The group also studied fire response times related to potential site locations for the fire department.

Committee members told the council that the initial cost estimate they received was higher than they were comfortable recommending, so they sought other pricing and financing options before presenting a final plan. No formal vote or council action was taken; staff said a formal report and recommendation will be presented at the Sept. 22 council meeting.

The update did not include a final cost, schedule or financing plan. Council members did not direct immediate action beyond requesting the committee’s report at the September meeting.

City staff provided the briefing as part of the mayor’s report and identified Farnsworth as the conceptual designer who provided three options for the council to consider. The committee’s next steps are to refine cost estimates and funding options and to return to the council with a recommendation on Sept. 22.