Former public works director reinstated; city manager let go

Lazaro Aleman ECB Publishing, Inc. Monticello officials last week dealt with two interrelated employee issues, the first involving the appeal of the former public works director to be reinstated, the second calling for a determination of whether the contract of the city manager should be renewed or allowed to expire on Sept. 30. The Monticello City Council took up the appeal of John Atkinson at a special hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, one hour prior to the regular meeting. Atkinson, who formerly served as public works director, was fired by City Manager Seth Lawless in early July for allegedly encouraging a strike or walkout. “The reason for your termination is for committing a