Mayor Robert Burns has created three new advisory committees to address concerns about animal welfare, homelessness and addiction, and the care and treatment of residents with disabilities and special needs.

“I am forming these committees to address serious concerns raised by our residents. I believe these new committees are necessary to not only tackle these pressing issues, but also to build compassion and involvement in our great City,” said Mayor Robert Burns.

The Animal Welfare Committee is directed to investigate the status of the animal population in the City and the humane treatment of animals, especially dogs and cats, in the City and make recommendations to the Monroe City Council regarding services needed, adequacy of the City’s animal control ordinance, and make recommendations for changes to the ordinance or animal welfare services provided by the City, and any other matters the Committee deems relevant.

The Homeless and Addiction Committee is directed to investigate the status and impact of homelessness on the residents of the City and make recommendations to the Monroe City Council regarding services needed, coordination of public and private assistance to the homeless, the role of drug and alcohol addiction in homelessness, the City of Monroe’s role in providing assistance, how to address the perceived increase in vagrancy and panhandling in the downtown area, how to address homeless camps in the City, and any other matters the Committee deems relevant.

The Special Needs and Disabilities Committee is directed to investigate the status and adequacy of services by public and private agencies to residents with disabilities and special needs and make recommendations to the Monroe City Council regarding additional services needed, and to investigate whether the City currently provides adequate open access and accommodation for facilities and services, and any other matters the Committee deems relevant. 

Each committee will be chaired by a sitting City Council Member, and have up to four additional non-Council members. Committee members must reside within the City of Monroe corporate limits to serve on the Homeless and Addiction Committee and the Special Needs and Disabilities Committee, and individuals must reside within Union County to serve on the Animal Welfare Committee. Potential members can represent various governmental agencies and non-profit agencies providing services, faith ministries, and the business community. 

Each committee will have one year to conduct its business and make a final report with recommendations to City Council.

Mayor Burns is calling on all qualified residents to consider applying to serve on one of the three new committees, and help to make a lasting difference in your community.

Residents interested in serving must complete a Committee Application either virtually on our website monroenc.org, or complete a printable version of the application and return to City Hall. Applicants generally must attend at least two Committee Meetings of interest within one year prior to submitting an application, however, the requirement is waived as these Committees have just been formed.

For more information on City Council Committees, visit the Committees page on monroenc.org.