By Matt Youngfrau
MONTICELLO — May 30, 2003 – The Village of Monticello Police Department has had a housing problem for the last few years. The building is getting older, and the repair work is adding up. Thus, in a cost-effective move, the village has decided to move the police station.
And they’ll be displacing the ambulance corps to do it.
The police station will be moving into the Monticello Volunteer Ambulance Building, next to the Neighborhood Facility. The corps was renting the building month to month. A clause in the contract stated the village could take it back for municipal use.
The current police station has major problems with its fire escape and its roof and needs asbestos removal, said village officials. The new roof alone came in at an estimate of $70,000. The board decided it would be cheaper to just move the station than try to renovate it.
The news came out yesterday morning when Monticello Mayor Gary Sommers met with the Senior Citizens club at the Neighborhood Facility. Sommers wanted to inform them about their new neighbors.
The corps was served its eviction notice last week, as the police wish to move in as soon as possible.
Years ago, the corps had bought property to build its own facility. However, no work has begun on that project. At press time, corps members were unavailable for comment.