MONROE - Monroe Main Street has not yet resolved its $63,000 discrepancy with the city's accounts, which the city believes it is owed by the organization.

At a Monroe Main Street board of directors meeting Oct. 11, Cathy Maurer, city treasurer, asked to see Main Street's side of the accounting books to verify deposits Main Street made to its account. She said she is looking in particular for documentation on one $75,000 deposit, which may have included several sources of income.

Ryan Wilson, president of Monroe Main Street, said Monday that he and the board's vice-president, Ron Spielman, have neither found any documentation in the Monroe Main Street office that would clear the account discrepancy nor met with the city treasurer to discuss the situation.

According to Maurer, the city has been carrying on its financial books a $62,800 debit from Monroe Main Street since 2007.

The timing of the accounting discrepancy coincides with contributions from Swiss Colony for a study on the streetscape project; and with a change in the city's computerized accounting program.

Monroe Main Street cannot put together its 2011 budget until the accounts with the city can be settled, Wilson said at a meeting of the Design Committee on Monday.

However, he assured the Design Committee that the board of directors authorized it on Oct. 6 to spend up to $2,000 for winter decoration for downtown Monroe.

"As of now, the city has committed $25,000 through TIF (Tax Increment District No. 7 funds) and $27,500 from BID (Business Improvement District)," Wilson said.

With those two contributions to the organization and the potential for additional donations from the community, Monroe Main Street is "committed to go ahead with its programs," Wilson added.

"I am enthusiastic and optimistic about a strong organization going ahead," he said.

Wilson said the Monroe Main Street Promotion Committee has developed a 3-year plan of major summer promotions, including carved wooden animals for Zoo on the Square for 2011.

Maurer reported Oct. 11 that Monroe Main Street's account balance was $33,000 at that time.

On Sept. 14, BID approved a 2011 tax levy of $32,000, of which $27,500 is to be used for Monroe Main Street. The City of Monroe is prepared to pass its 2011 final budget Nov. 16. The boundaries of Monroe Main Street, TID No. 7 and BID are the same, covering more than 25 blocks centered around the downtown Square.

Monroe Main Street board of directors on Oct. 11 delayed a decision to hire an interim director and postponed decisions on drawing up by-laws or creating non-profit status. Monroe Main Street has been without an executive director since July.

Monroe Main Street directors had hoped to break with the city in October, but decided on Oct. 6 that the timing was no longer attainable.

The organization exists by city resolution, which is in effect until January, unless renewed. A break with the city means Main Street's board appointments and other decisions made by the city will cease. Rex Ewald, city attorney, recommended the organization have a corporate structure or arrangement in place before its separates from the city.