The Monticello Board of Aldermen approved the city budget earlier this week.

Board members met last week to address any concerns or adjustments that need to be made before approving the $1.7 million budget Tuesday.

The good news for town residents is that the millage rate will remain the same at 50.26, which means property taxes won’t be increased.

“It’s always good news when you let people know that taxes aren’t going to be increased. We’re going to have a very busy year with several projects that we want to get accomplished,” said Mayor Martha Watts. “We’re cleaning up the city and it’s noticeable. I think residents will see a lot of positive activity going on in the city throughout the next year.”

Liquor

The city received a notification from a group of citizens that presented a petition before the board to have a vote on liquor sales in Monticello.

Over 200 signatures were on the petition, and by law the board has to act on their request.

The city will have a vote on the issue on Nov. 7.

Flooring

The board approved the low bid from Quality Flooring in Columbia for $7,480 to resurface the floor throughout the entire municipal office complex.

Two other bids were received — M. Wallace Flooring for $9,210 and Home Depot for $11,322.

According to Watts, the floors are in desperate need of repair.

“They’ve been there for over 20 years and they’ve become a trip hazard,” she said. “The floors throughout the whole building will be redone.”

They will begin working on the issue immediately.

In other business, the board approved an increase in the rental fee for the building at Cooper’s Ferry Park from $40 to $50.