City Council Minutes 08-24-2026 SpecialMINUTES
MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, August 24, 2026 — 5:00 p.m.
Monticello Community Center
Present: Lloyd Hilgart, Charlotte Gabler, Kip Christianson, Tracy Hinz, Lee Martie
Absent: None
Staff: Rachel Leonard, Sarah Rathlisberger, Angela Schumann, Matt Leonard, Tom
Pawelk, Sara Cahill, Jim Thares, and Jennifer Schreiber
1. Call to Order
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart called the special meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. 2027 Budget Discussion
Sarah Rathlisberger, Finance Director, reviewed the budget schedule and proposed
capital projects and funding sources. City Council discussed projects related to Public
Works, the Water Treatment Plant, Bertram Chain of Lakes, Riverside Cemetery, West
Bridge Park, the soccer building, transportation and utility projects, and projects being
carried forward into 2027.
There was discussion on the continued cost of maintaining the soccer building and the
need to evaluate its long-term future, including possible cost sharing with the soccer
club. Council also reviewed transportation funding and a potential increase to the
electric franchise fee to help fund future road projects and reduce reliance on
assessments, which was part of previous discussions when implementing the gas
franchise fee earlier this year.
A preliminary tax levy option was shown including the anticipated new lease revenue
bond payments and a new tax abatement. Discussion focused on the increase to the
General Fund levy, capital funding and the funding shortfall at the Monticello
Community Center. Council expressed support for addressing MCC needs while
considering the overall tax impact on residents and requested additional information
showing the estimated impact on various properties.
There was discussion on paying off outstanding bond issues to lower the debt and 2027
levy amounts. After some discussion, the Council reached consensus to pay off the two
outstanding bond issues 2015B and 2016A.
3. Adjournment
By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes —August 24, 2026
Recorder: Jennifer Schreiber?
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City Ad4ni4ator
City Council Special Meeting Minutes —August 24, 2026