Cairo council hears questions about South Broad Street project, introduces unpaid-debt ordinance and adopts FY 2025–26 budget

Council members took up several policy items and neighborhood concerns after the mayor’s inauguration.

Public comment: Robert William (listed as residing at 3816 Highway 84 East) asked about the South Broad Street reconstruction. The city manager responded that the contract was signed in the summer of last year but did not begin until October 2024; he said utility relocations by providers including Windstream and Mediacom caused a stall. The city manager said the current phase focuses on stormwater, curb-and-gutter, and the road base and that the completion date is currently targeted for October (the year was stated in the meeting as "October this year"). He reported a project cost of approximately $2,600,000 and said funding includes what the meeting transcript spelled as "T Sploss" and ALMIG.

Ordinance introduction: Staff introduced an ordinance drafted with the city attorney and the customer service director to require outstanding customer indebtedness be collected or otherwise resolved before a new utility or service account is opened. The city manager said the total collectible outstanding debt was "more than $300,000," discussed prior efforts using in-house customer service staff and third-party collection efforts, and noted the draft seeks to define what the city can legally pursue and collect. Council members asked whether the policy would apply to all city-provided utilities (including gas) and how legal limitations on collection would be observed.

Licensing and budget actions: The council considered an alcoholic-beverage license application for "Caro Fine and Wine Incorporated" (beer, wine and liquor package at 3816 US Highway 84 East), with the applicant identified as Mr. Patel; members voiced approval. The council then debated and adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget. During budget discussion council members raised concerns about proposed raises and one council member questioned a $23,000 base salary item; others warned that transfers from the electric fund to the general fund depend on the electric fund meeting revenue expectations. Booker (staff) responded to budget questions. The mayor called the vote and the motion to adopt the budget carried.

Neighborhood items and operations: Council members also raised several local public-works and code-enforcement issues — loose dogs and fleas in multiple neighborhoods, roaming chickens in a residential area, a drainage problem on Lakewood Circle/Drive, a road dip at Platt and Grady, overhanging limbs on Sixth Street SE, gravel needs at Buchanan and Highway 93, and a deteriorating building near the fire station (referred to as the HBKL building). Staff said they would follow up on many of those items.

Details and next steps: The ordinance on unpaid utility indebtedness was introduced for future consideration; staff will provide follow-up information on the total collectible amount and legal scope. The council approved a retail alcohol-license application and adopted the FY 2025–26 budget. The meeting adjourned after council reports and brief closing remarks.