City Council Minutes 09-14-2026 SpecialMINUTES
MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, September 14, 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, presented the third budget meeting to the City
Council.
The City Council discussed Monticello Community Center operations, including long-
term operating costs and potential revenue opportunities. Staff presented a proposed
20-use RecCard for gym and pool access, including the possibility of automatic renewal.
Other ideas mentioned included birthday passes for free facility use, additional use of
DMV funds, and exploring potential naming rights. Council requested additional
information regarding current and future pool operating costs and expressed support
for continued operation of the pool.
Council members also noted the limited events of Music on the Mississippi and
expressed support for continued programming.
Ms. Rathlisberger reviewed changes in commercial and industrial property valuations
and provided examples of the impacts on individual properties. She noted that staff's
proposed preliminary city levy reflects a 5.83% increase, while an increase of
approximately 6.68% would be needed to maintain the current tax rate.
The City Council discussed whether additional funding could be directed toward capital
improvements to bring the tax rate closer to zero -percent change. Support was noted
for various preliminary levy options. Without consensus, staff will bring forward the
recommendation shown at the workshop to the next Council meeting for Council vote.
3. Adjournment
By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
City Council Special Meeting Minutes — September 14, 2026
Recorder: Jennifer Schreik
City Council Special Meeting Minutes — September 14, 2026