Monett is only city in state with a commission style government

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

The city of Monett is asking its residents to help reshape the city government — the last of its kind in the state of Missouri — in April 2026.

The council voted at its Oct. 14 meeting to ask voters in April to decide if the city of Monett will transition from a commission form of government to a charter. 

The issue was first presented in the September council meeting and was voted on and unanimously passed during the October meeting. 

Mayor Burke explained during the first reading of the consideration that the charter style of government would mean the city will operate under its own constitution “inside” the parameters of the state constitution.

He said that a charter style government is afforded to larger cities with a minimum threshold of five thousand residents and Monett has twice the population required. 

“I think everyone realizes now that we need more people up here,” Burke said as the issue was put to vote by the council.

Burke pointed out that Monett is also the last commission style city government in the state following West Plains’ transition to a charter in 2013.

Council members discussed how the new charter government would create more seats on the council, afford more flexibility within the city government and allow more accurate representation for residents.

With the commissioners’ vote in October, the issue will now go before the people. 

If approved by voters in April 2026, the first step in forming the city’s new government is to select a commission to form the city’s new charter.

A city charter acts as a local constitution, outlining the basic structure, powers and authority of the city government. The commission will be comprised of 13 community members and will form the outline of the new government structure. 

Burke said he hopes this will bring more clear roles and help streamline city work through clear structure and channels of communication within the city government.

The question “Shall a Commission be Chosen to Frame a Charter?” will be on the ballot on April 7, 2026, along with candidates to form the 13 member commission.

Residents interested in being considered for election to the commission must file with the city by the end of the 2025 year.

In other business, the council approved the rezoning of land near the west side of upper 17th Street to allow a new housing development to be planned. The North Hills Project would bring approximately 230 homes to the area. 

Burke that these would not be Section 8, low-income housing; rather, they will be home options in the $200,000 range, just below the $212,000 median home value in Monett, according to Realtor.com.

The city heard from community members who brought up both concerns over water runoff and who praised the addition of affordable homes. 

Some business owners expressed gratitude, saying their employees have been looking for homes in that price range and a housing option like the North Hills Project would provide means that employees can buy homes and stay in the area.

A new dog park is also in the works for the city, as the council voted to approve the development at 913 East Broadway.

Monett Main Street  is set to build the park utilizing private funds. Once complete, it will be handed over to the city for maintenance.

The council also took a moment during its October meeting to recognize the Monett Fire Department and its successful fundraising for breast cancer.

The fire department worked with the Ozark breast Cancer Foundation this year to raise money through their “Hunt for a Cause” scavenger hunt held in September. 

While initial reports showed the event raised over $7,000, the total as of the October council meeting had risen to over $13,000. 

Monett Fire Department Deputy Chief Dustin Stellwagen said that through continued T-shirt sales in October, the event may raise over $15,000 for its first year.

Regular City Council Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Monett School District Board Room, with video available on the city’s website the following day.