Monterey Passes New Budget, Concern About New Position

The Monterey Board of Aldermen passed its new fiscal year budget on first reading Monday night.

However, the budget passed on just a four to three vote. Aldermen divided over $35,000 budgeted for a new position of Assistant to the Cultural Administrator.

Finance Committee Chair Bill Wiggins said the position was needed to allow the Cultural Administrator to fulfill his expanded duties. Alderman Alex Garcia said Cultural Administrator Rafferty Clearly had not asked for an assistant.

“But Bill to your point of the Fire Department and hiring,” Garcia said. “I just think that Depot Assistant position would be better served with the Fire Department.”

Once Garcia brought up using the funds towards Fire Department positions, Amy Martin and Jim Wolfgram supported Garcia’s suggestion.

Monterey’s budget committee discussed the need for a fulltime fire department in recent weeks.

Interim Mayor Mark Farley said the board should pass the budget to keep on schedule.

“My opinion, let’s go ahead and pass the first and second readings,” Farley said. “And the third reading everybody needs to get back together before the month is over.”

Aldermen will meet with the Finance Committee May 15 at 7pm. Farley said this would give board members an opportunity to review and discuss the budget prior to the third and final reading.