Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Development Cdbg topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Monticello holds public hearing on 2026 CDBG funding; residents urge brush truck and community center
Summary
Monticello City held a Jan. 13 public hearing on potential Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications for the 2026 cycle; residents recommended a brush truck for the volunteer fire department and a new community center, while staff outlined application rules and regional allocation mechanics.
Monticello held a public hearing Jan. 13 at the Hideout Community Center to gather public input on possible applications for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding cycle. Mayor Dunn opened the hearing and said the program’s funds must be spent on projects that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
The Southeastern region’s allocation was discussed during the hearing; officials initially read a region figure of about $6,590,959.63 that was later corrected in the meeting record to $778,287.00 for the new program year. Mayor Dunn listed typical eligible activities — including construction of public works and facilities, acquisition of real property, and public services such as food banks or homeless shelters — and noted the city’s capital investment plan was provided as part of the regional Consolidated Plan.
Community Development Director Jasmine Nielson told attendees that the CDBG Application Policies and Procedures Manual identifies all eligible activities and that interested residents may review the manual for application details. City Manager Kaeden Kulow said the regional allocation would be split among awarded applicants, meaning the city’s final award amount would depend on the number and size of awards across the region.
Several residents offered suggestions for projects. Megan Gallegos, who identified herself as a Monticello resident, asked the city to consider purchasing a brush truck or other equipment for the volunteer fire department. Mark Colgan urged the city to consider building a Monticello City Community Center. John Bucur asked whether the city could submit multiple applications; Nielson said multiple submissions were allowed but come with stipulations (the transcript does not specify those stipulations).
No formal motions or votes were recorded during the hearing. Mayor Dunn closed the hearing at 7:13 p.m.; the minutes indicate the record was later approved by the City Council on March 10, 2026. Staff signaled that applicants should consult the CDBG application manual and the Consolidated Plan for eligibility and submission guidance before any formal applications are prepared.
