On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the City of Monticello proudly recognized the legacy of leadership and community service of Bill Fair, former Mayor and City Council of Monticello. A park bench is dedicated in his honor at East Bridge Park, next to a memorial for his mother, Fran Fair.
Family members and friends gathered at the park to remember Bill’s memory and contributions to the city. During the dedication, several speakers shared stories about Bill’s unwavering dedication to Monticello, including city staff and Mayor Lloyd Hilgart. The city would like to thank the Fair family and friends who joined us at the ceremony.
Bill served as a member of the Monticello City Council, Parks Commission, and Bertram Chain of Lakes Advisory Council. He served as a council member from 1984 to 1988, 2016 to 2020, and again in 2022. Mr. Fair was the City of Monticello’s Mayor from 1997 to 1999. His legacy includes work in pivotal initiatives such as the city’s waste recycling program, contracted operation of the Wastewater Treatment Facility, establishing the city’s relationship with the Monticello Senior Center, and the development of the Walnut Street and West Seventh Street corridors. He also played an instrumental role in the construction of the Cub Foods complex, the Monticello Public Library, and the Monticello Community Center. In 1998, Mr. Fair spearheaded a reforestation project to address storm damage, overseeing the planting of several thousand trees in a single day with the support of numerous volunteers, demonstrating his strong leadership and community engagement.
It is our hope that the bench will serve as a lasting tribute to his service to our community and will be enjoyed by visitors who stop at the park. The bench is not just a place to sit; it’s a symbol of the positive influence one individual can have on an entire community. We invite everyone in Monticello and beyond to visit Bill Fair’s bench, take a moment to reflect, and remember the difference one person can make in the lives of others.
