Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Utilities Director Henry Hicks honored Monica Nelson as the August 2015 Employee of the Month at the Aug. 6 City Council meeting. Nelson received a framed certificate and a check for $200, and her name appears on a plaque displayed in City Hall. 

Nelson began her employment with the Utilities Department in 1999 as a Meter Reader, and she has been a Senior Meter Service Worker since 2001. In her position, Nelson plays an important role in the connecting and disconnecting of water services while also working with Customer Service staff on billing, responding to citizens regarding high water bills, and checking for leaks. Nelson also directs the activities of the Meter Reading Division in the absence of the Meter Operations Supervisor.
 
The City of Valdosta has been working to install water and sewer services to a large number of newly-annexed parcels of land, and recently employees from the Utilities and Engineering Departments were asked to provide a summary of how many customers were connected in these areas. Nelson's rich understanding of the city's billing system software and her extensive knowledge on Valdosta properties proved to be an invaluable resource for this project. Within three days, Nelson went through over 700 accounts, while also completing her daily tasks with the Meter Reading Division. She not only put in the extra hours to confirm the current services and connection dates of each of the accounts, but she also identified 20 accounts that appeared to not be billed for services such as stormwater and sanitation.

Nelson brings a personal touch to her job and always ensures her work is accurate, not just for the city, but for all customers.  The City of Valdosta applauds her for being named the August 2015 Employee of the Month, an award she received for her enthusiasm and diligence in her work, her natural gift of public service, and her tendency to go above and beyond to serve the city proudly.