Monticello council adopts 2026 appropriation ordinance, adds $25,000 for Front Street right-of-way

The Monticello City Council adopted Ordinance 2026-22, the city ppropriation ordinance for the 2026 fiscal year, during its March meeting and approved a $25,000 amendment to fund right-of-way costs on the Front Street project.

City Administrator Terry told the council the appropriation ordinance follows the city—ustom of adding a 10% cushion to revenues and expenditures to cover unknowns. "As we have for many, many years the appropriation ordinance we add 10% to the revenues and the expenditures for any unknowns that may creep up into the annual expenditures," Terry said. He also outlined several line items added since the December budget approval, including $14,300 for a maintenance-shed lift, $27,280 for higher street-lighting costs and $30,000 for street salt.

After the presentation, a councilmember moved to add $25,000 to the appropriation for the Front Street right-of-way; another member seconded the amendment. The council took a roll-call vote on the amendment and on the final, amended ordinance; in each case the members recorded yes votes and the motions passed.

The public hearing on Ordinance 2026-22 was opened and closed without additional public testimony. The council also approved the evening—onsent agenda by roll call earlier in the meeting, which included claims dated Feb. 24 through March 9, 2026, minutes for Feb. 23, 2026, and routine department reports.

The ordinance is recorded in the meeting as Ordinance 2026-22; the council did not identify a second reading or a differing effective date during the meeting. The council adjourned after routine reports and no further new business.

What happens next: the amended appropriation ordinance becomes the city's spending plan for 2026; implementation and any contract or spending steps will follow the usual procurement and reporting processes.