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Montgomery council debates taking ownership of downtown flagpole as repair costs surface
Summary
Council members discussed whether the city should assume responsibility for a large downtown flagpole after staff reported repair estimates of roughly $5,000 (winch/cable) to up to $10,000–$15,000 (motor/crane) and $3,200 for a high-quality 30x60 flag; no transfer of ownership was approved.
Councilors debated whether Montgomery should assume ownership of a large decorative flagpole by a downtown site and who should pay for repairs after city staff presented vendor estimates at the May 26 meeting.
Staff said a Cromer Flag inspection showed likely cable or winch repairs could cost about $5,000; if the motor has burned out and a crane is required the cost could be “upwards of $10,000,” and a high-quality 30-by-60-foot replacement flag was estimated at about $3,200. Staff described the pole as historically associated with a development agreement between a developer and a bank and noted that subsequent ownership changes created ambiguity over long-term maintenance responsibility.
Councilors discussed options including negotiating a cost share with the current property owner, seeking deed transfer or an easement that would clearly assign responsibility, or leaving maintenance with the property owner but requiring clearer contractual maintenance terms. One council member said, “I don't want to see us to get into that scenario,” referring to the city inheriting costs without ownership or control.
Staff noted the city has parks maintenance funds that could cover repairs in the short term if the council decides it's appropriate, but emphasized that legal and engineering staff would need to review title and any developer agreements before the city accepts responsibility.
No vote was taken on ownership or on a funding commitment; council directed staff to research property title, development agreements and potential easement or deed options and to report back with options for a future agenda.
