News

New elementary timeline calls for March 2027 completion

Published by admin on Wed, 05/07/2025 - 8:30am

   An updated timeline for construction and the opening of Monticello’s new elementary school was presented by Katie Harms of OPN Architects during the regular meeting of the Monticello School Board April 28.

   Due to the bond election being in November (rather than September, as it was for the new middle school), the holiday break getting in the way, and other factors, delays in planning resulted in the schedule now calling for the new building to be available in March 2027.

Public hearing held on data center, cryptocurrency ordinance

Published by admin on Wed, 05/07/2025 - 8:24am

   During the April 29 Jones County Board of Supervisors meeting, the board held a public hearing and approved the first consideration of a new county ordinance: Cryptocurrency and Data Centers.

   During the last board meeting, Land Use Administrator Whitney Amos brought the proposed ordinance to the board's attention. There was some discussion on the noise level pertaining to the decibels (dB).

   The ordinance states that the maximum dB is 60. Amos said that is just under the threshold of a wind turbine.

Snead, board discuss proposed change to employee handbook

Published by admin on Wed, 05/07/2025 - 8:22am

     County Engineer Derek Snead sought to bring a change to the Jones County Employee Handbook to the Jones County Supervisors' attention during the April 29 board meeting.

   Snead particularly pointed to section 4.11 "Jury and Witness Duty."

   "Right now the process is a county employee gets selected, goes in for jury duty, they get $30 per day, and then at the end of that time, the Clerk of Court writes them a check," he said. "They have the option to turn in their mileage; some do, some don't.

Jones Co. Republicans hold annual spring fundraiser

Published by admin on Wed, 05/07/2025 - 8:22am

     The Jones County Republican Central Committee held their annual spring fundraiser on Thursday, April 24, at the Citizens State Bank Youth Development Center in Monticello. There were roughly 90 people present on a beautiful spring evening.

District submits levy rates, planning for two outcomes

Published by admin on Wed, 05/07/2025 - 8:07am

   With an April 30 deadline looming, Marcy Gillmore, business manager of the Monticello Community School District, was left with no choice but to submit a tax levy figure significantly higher than what the actual number will likely be.

   Like school districts across the state, the MCSD was still waiting for Gov. Kim Reynolds to sign the State Supplemental Assistance increase of 2 percent that was approved by the Iowa Legislature in early April.

House File 1031 leaves Recorder feeling anxious

Published by admin on Wed, 05/07/2025 - 7:58am

     Last fall, Jones County Recorder Sheri Jones informed the Jones County Supervisors about proposed legislation via the Iowa County Recorders Association (ICRA) aimed at modernizing recording fees in Iowa.

   Early on, the proposed fees would go up to $10 per page filed or recorded. Three dollars of that would go to Iowa Land Records, which is owned by the ICRA. That additional $3 will help cover the records' preservation fee.

   Recording fees in Iowa have not increased since 1985.

Council approves FY26 city budget

Published by admin on Wed, 04/30/2025 - 9:28am

     The City of Monticello approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and certification of taxes.

   During the April 21 Monticello City Council meeting, a public hearing was held on the city budget.

   No comments were made from members of the public.

   The city's budget has to be sent to the state no later than April 30.

County adopts FY26 budget, approves elected officials’ salaries

Published by admin on Wed, 04/30/2025 - 9:28am

     Jones County's Fiscal Year 2026 budget has been adopted, and taxes have been certified.

   During the Jones County Supervisors' April 22 board meeting, the board also took action to establish elected officials' salaries for FY26.

   The county's total proposed expenditures for FY26 are $23,540,567. Total revenues are $20,714,347.

Cost of sewer extension south of town grows

Published by admin on Wed, 04/30/2025 - 9:27am

     Since last spring and summer, the City of Monticello has been working with Roger Stephen and Tyler and Jayme Freye to extend the city’s sewer services to those properties along S. Main Street/Business Highway 151 South.

   As plans have been in the works and engineers have been working their magic, it seems the costs have skyrocketed.

   “The scope of the project itself has changed to a degree,” warned City Administrator Russ Farnum.

Blind Pig explores outdoor bar concept in pocket park

Published by admin on Wed, 04/30/2025 - 9:27am

     “In my travels, I’ve noticed a lot of people using the sidewalk and the street as part of restaurants. People want to hang out outside, be outside; it feels good to be outside just in general.”

   Ryan Evans, owner of Blind Pig Monticello shared those sentiments during the April 21 Monticello City Council meeting as he sought permission from the council for non-exclusive rights to the downtown pocket park for business expansion purposes.

Subscriber Login