Change in city government nixed

Following the regular Monticello City Council meeting on Sept. 3, the council and city staff held a work session to discuss a few topics. On the top of the list was “form of government.” 

This was brought about after city resident Kaye Junion started petitioning to inquire about a change in Monticello’s governing body. 

In 2011, Pat Callahan of Anamosa met with the Monticello City Council to discuss the various forms of city government. 

The city’s current form of government includes the mayor (a non-voting member) and six council members (representing four wards and two at-large). 

Other forms of government include: 

• Home Rule Charter. 

“This is a complicated and confusing option,” said City Administrator Doug Herman. 

Very few cities in Iowa have a home rule charter, especially those with a population under 5,000. 

Before the city sought this option, a comprehensive study would have to be conducted. In the end, this would be unique form of government that fits just Monticello. 

• Council-Manager 

Under this option, a city manager is appointed to city departments and operations. The mayor is also a voting member of the council. 

“My concern here,” said Herman, “the manager would have too much power.” 

In addition, he explained the council wouldn’t have any power, but merely create policies. 

• Mayor-Council. 

This is what Monticello currently utilizes. However, typically cities maintain five council members, not six like Monticello has. The council members are also all elected at-large, not from within wards. 

“In cities with a population under 5,000, most have gone to all at-large,” noted Herman. “Wards are typically used in larger cities.” 

Council member Dave Goedken said he would like to stick with the city’s current form of government with wards, but allow everyone to vote for the candidates, no matter where they reside in the city. 

Council member Tom Yeoman said the concern would be the town banning together to vote someone out of council if they felt he/she was doing a bad job. 

Herman noted that any changes for the city’s form of government would have to be placed on an election ballot and voted on by the public. 

Council member Brenda Hanken asked if a special election could take place. Herman said that would cost the taxpayers some money. 

Following Pat Callahan’s visit with the council back in 2011, the council at that time chose not to pursue a change in government. 

This time, it was the consensus of the council to leave the council as is.