Monticello City Council reaffirms fireworks restriction, discusses water news, approves budgets

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the Monticello City Council reaffirmed fireworks restrictions, discussed water news and approved annual budgets as part of their latest meeting.
Members of the Monticello City Council reaffirmed its commitment to fire safety at their June 23 meeting.
A citywide firework ban will remain in place for Independence day. Officials cited the Governor’s recent announcements, as well as extreme fire risk poised by overgrown brush and dry conditions. Mayor Kevin Dunn remarked “If a fire starts here, we are going to get strung up” emphasizing the need for caution.
In water news it was shared that Loyds Lake is dropping at a rate of approximately six inches per week sitting at roughly 1,400 acre feet. Despite that the city’s culinary and secondary storage ponds are currently full with the city bringing in approximately 795 gallons per minute from mountain collections which is down from 1,200 gallons per minute just two weeks prior. 
The city did share that the operational Hideout Well is producing 100 gallons per minute after a repair at a cost of $44,000 below the original $55,000 estimate. Kulow noted that well water currently lacks the pressure of the lake system meaning it is only servicing certain lower portions of the golf course.
In other water news the city’s coin-operated water dispenser is seeing record use from people outside city limits purchasing water at a rate that requires the city to collect funds from the machine twice weekly.
Members of the Monticello city council adopted the final tax rates as part of a special meeting held on June 18.
During the city’s regularly scheduled June 23 meeting members of the council adopted the final budget for the ending fiscal year and approved the tentative budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
City manager Kaeden Kulow noted that while some expenses, particularly related to recent well repairs, were higher than forecasted, the city remains within a balanced budget.
As a point of transparency during budget conversations it was noted the compensation for elected and department officials. This year council members will receive $2,000 while the mayor’s compensation is set at $4,000. Kulow reminded the council that any further changes to the rates must be set before December 31.
Members of the public did share concerns about an excavation project on Clay Hill Drive.
San Juan County building official Corey Coleman expressed concerns about soil stability and the potential for flooding. Coleman noted particular concern that removing vegetation from the hillside could lead to potential damage to neighboring properties. One neighbor Brian Bowring offered concerns that the development may interfere with high-voltage power easements and noted his concerns that without a proper storm drainage plan his own property would be a “sitting duck” in the event of heavy rain.
Kulow addressed the concerns in part during the follow-up portion of the meeting. Kulow shared that no permit is required for general dirt work on private property. 
While the property owner has shared they are taking precautions for water retention the city has limited authority until a building permit is filed. 
Kulow agreed that the clay hills drainage area is complex, noting that the road was not originally designed with adequate culverts. Kulow recommended the city pursue professional engineering studies to find a permanent solution for storm water management.
Members of the city council also shared that the city airport has seen an uptick in activity with 872 total takeoff and landings recorded since July 1 of 2025. Fuel sales have also increased with over 1,250 gallons of fuel sold. Looking ahead, the airport is poised for a $3 million upgrade. Council also discussed the possibilities of bringing in a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) to manage fuel and business operations as the airport grows.