City of Monroe, NC

For this week’s Spotlight on Monroe, we're highlighting the incredible work of our Finance Department! From managing the City’s budget to ensuring financial transparency, this team keeps our operations running responsibly and efficiently.   The Finance Department strives to provide high-quality services and cost-effective financial practices with both accuracy and transparency, supporting the continued growth and economic success of the City of Monroe and its citizens.   Monroe’s Finance Department consists of eight divisions, each playing a vital role in the City’s financial health: Accounting – Manages payroll, payments, cash, and investments, does grant and financial reporting, and monitors City internal control processes for compliance Administration – Leads the budget process, financial planning, and debt and grant administration Customer Service – Helps residents with utility accounts and questions Payment Center – Takes payments for utilities and taxes and handles tax billing and records Purchasing – Oversees City’s procurement, maintains vendor relationships, and tracks City’s capital assets  Warehouse – Buys supplies and manages inventory Fleet – Keeps City vehicles running without delay Utility Billing – Sends out utility bills and manages meter readings   Thank you to our Finance team for your dedication to accuracy, accountability, and excellence!

🏗️ Progress in the Making: Winchester Revitalization 🌳 City Council’s Winchester Revitalization Committee is moving forward with plans to transform the Winchester Brownfield Property into something special for our community. 📅 Save the date: April 14, 2025! Join us for a public outreach event to view and give feedback on the land design. More details to come soon! During the Winchester Revitalization Committee’s April meeting, Council Member Surluta Anthony (Committee Chair), Mayor Robert Burns, and advisory committee members got a glimpse into the past with a presentation of a 1930 Sanborn Map of the Seaboard Railroad Property - a piece of Monroe’s history that will be proudly displayed at the Winchester Community Center.

🚧 Monroe is Open for Business! 🏗️ The City of Monroe continues to show why we're a one-stop shop for development. Our Technical Review Committee recently met with the team from Briolf Group, led by Francesc Monells, to kick off the process for their new manufacturing plant right here in Monroe. City Manager Mark Watson, Mayor Robert Burns, and our Economic Development Office also connected with leaders from Briolf & Roberlo, including Jaume Juher, Xavier Sagué, Llorenç Juher, Albert Juher, and Jaume Bermudez. We’re excited about the economic growth and job opportunities this project will bring to our community! 💼🌆

Do you ever wonder who keeps Monroe’s parks, facilities, and public spaces in top shape? It’s all thanks to the hardworking staff of the Property Management Department! They’re the driving force behind facility upgrades, landscaping projects, and City-wide maintenance that keeps our community in operational order, including: ✔️ Managing facility equipment replacement & uplift projects ✔️ Providing maintenance support to all City of Monroe departments ✔️ Maintaining City parks, cemeteries, walkways, and buildings, ensuring they stay beautiful year-round ✔️ Operating Monroe’s loose leaf collection program ✔️ Overseeing maintenance contracts & ensuring efficient service request response 🏆 Recent Projects: 🎾 Resurfacing the Dickerson tennis courts and converting three courts into 10 permanent pickleball courts 🏢 Major renovations at Recreation facilities, including new gym flooring at four community centers 🌳 Revamped Belk Tonawanda Park, including the construction of the Belk Tonawanda Splash Pad! From keeping our parks green to making sure City buildings are safe and functional, Monroe’s Property Management Department plays a vital role in shaping our community!

The City of Monroe is pleased to announce that the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) Board of Directors has unanimously approved Monroe’s Selectsite Readiness Program application in the amount of $440,200. These funds will be instrumental in advancing Monroe’s 74-acre Expressway Commerce Park by covering key site readiness activities. “This funding from the Selectsite Readiness Program is a major step forward in our mission to attract high-quality precision manufacturing projects to Monroe,” said City Manager Mark Watson. “By investing in the necessary site assessments and infrastructure planning, we are ensuring that Expressway Commerce Park is ready for businesses that will create high-paying jobs for our residents.” The City of Monroe remains committed to preparing Expressway Commerce Park for future industrial investment and achieving the coveted “North Carolina Certified Site” status, a designation that enhances marketability to prospective businesses. Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/edSFek3Y

The Monroe Fire Department announces the retirement of Deputy Chief of Operations Greg Collins, effective May 1, 2025 after 30 years of service to the City. Collins began his career with the Monroe Fire Department in 1995 as a Public Safety Officer. Over the years, he steadily progressed through the ranks, serving as a Fire Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Division Chief of Training, and Deputy Chief of Administration before assuming his current role as Deputy Chief of Operations in 2021. Collins played vital roles in advancing the Monroe Fire Department through his leadership and development of personnel, modernization of the fire apparatus fleet, planning and opening of Fire Station 6 which significantly improved response times for residents in the upper northwest portion of the City, and lowering of the City’s Fire Insurance Rating to an ISO Class 1. His leadership in emergency management also helped guide the City through major events, including hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/evX7EWxr

🎉 Congratulations to our City employees who were recognized for their years of service during this quarter's Service Awards! Pictured Left to Right: Joseph Kratky, Water Resources, 5 years Greg Collins, Fire, 30 years Jason Easter, Fire, 20 years Kyle Purser, Police, 15 years Matthew Hinson, Fire, 20 years Adam Speer, Fire, 20 years Charles Laton, Fire, 20 years Sheila Couick, Human Resources, 25 years Eric Howell, Energy Services, 5 years Nick Horne, Water Resources, 25 years Cameron Webster, Energy Services, 5 years Sharon Jones, Energy Services, 10 years Stephen McManus, Energy Services, 25 years Joshua W. Whitley, Energy Services, 5 years Congratulations and thank you for your service to Monroe! 🎉🙏

Monroe Wins 2024 Main Street Award! The Piedmont Lofts project has received the 2024 Main Street Award of Merit for Economic Vitality for transforming the historic Piedmont Buggy Factory into a stunning residential space! Built in 1911, abandoned for decades, and now home to 56 loft-style apartments, this project has sparked new energy Downtown: ✅ $682,000 in annual revenue for Downtown businesses ✅ Property tax revenue skyrocketed from $4,000 to $39M ✅ 500+ jobs created during development Read more: https://lnkd.in/eZasKEhS Pictured: (L to R) Patrick Reilly, President of Rehab Development; Jeff Wells, Assistant City Manager of Monroe; Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development of North Carolina Department of Commerce

Monroe City Council, at its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 18, unanimously approved a Level II Economic Development Incentive Grant worth up to $114,000 to SEECO - Southern Electrical Equipment Company, to relocate its operations from Mecklenburg County to the Monroe Corporate Center. The company plans to invest $7 to $10 million at the 15-acre site, creating 71 high-paying jobs with an average annual pay of $64,000 within 3 years. This investment also includes the potential for a workforce development partnership with South Piedmont Community College. “SEECO’s investment in Monroe is a commitment to innovation, job creation, and long-term partnership with our community. Their presence strengthens our manufacturing sector and reinforces Monroe as a hub for precision manufacturing,” said City Manager Mark Watson. Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/e9ufBn_4

The City of Monroe’s Information Technology Department works hard to keep the City connected, secure, and running at peak performance! For this week’s Spotlight on Monroe, we showcase the dedicated team ensuring technology enhances every aspect of City operations. Every day, the IT Department: ✅ Keeps networks secure and reliable across 63 City facilities and locations ✅ Protects the sensitive data of customers and citizens with strong cybersecurity measures ✅ Maintains and improves technology, including City GIS maps and other digital services, so citizens can access City information easier ✅ Supports City staff with computer, software, and tech assistance so operations can continue without interruption ✅ Plans for the future with technology upgrades, ensuring Monroe stays ahead of the curve with strategic technology advancements IT staff’s expertise ensures that every City department has the tools and support needed to serve the community effectively. From everyday troubleshooting to long-term innovation, their work keeps Monroe moving forward. To learn more about Monroe’s Information Technology Department, go to https://lnkd.in/gpzaT-sa