Continuing discussions that began in April, Cadiz City Council members Tuesday night unanimously approved for City Attorney Allen Wilson to draft an amended ordinance — creating a $300 fee for any person or persons seeking to “disturb the soil” of East End Cemetery.
In layman’s terms, it is the beginnings of a one-time plot fee for the city’s main resting place, which for decades has required intense care and general maintenance through the efforts of the community’s Public Works Department.
But unlike several municipalities in west Kentucky, Cadiz has never required payment for those plots, and this law will seek to change that.
Advising by teleconference, Wilson said the ordinance would require a first and second reading before officially becoming a local statute.
Councilman Craig Stallons said he, and other officials, had been observing the work being done to the cemetery in preparation for Mother’s Day — in which local frequent the property to pay respects to lost parents — only to notice impressive, but costly, efforts.
Councilman Bob Noel and Mayor Todd King agreed.
Stallons further added that five men were weed-eating East End Cemetery this past weekend, which requires manpower, tools, wire and gasoline.
Wilson noted that, if the ordinance passes in two successive readings, it would likely go into effect no later than July or August.
In other city council news:
— Councilman Todd Wallace noted that the Finance Committee will soon be meeting, and alongside City Clerk Susan Hyde, a draft budget for 2025-26 is already in the works.
— Council members unanimously approved for Public Works Director Craig Oakley to seek bids for the materials and rehabilitation of a new raw box at the Cadiz Water Treatment Plant.
Conversations with Engineer Frank Williams and Pennyrile Area Development District’s Amy Frogue, Oakley said, led to the application of Cleaner Water Act funds to assist with the Lafayette Street/Walking Trail project, as well as a reallocation for the plant.
In all, Oakley said the city saved more than $750,000 by not only seeking assistance, but also keeping the project in-house.
— Oakley also assured that Hometown Heroes banners have been put up in advance of Mother’s Day.
— Also a member of the Trigg County Hospital Board of Directors, Noel confirmed that the parking lot lighting project will begin in about 45 days.
— And Cadiz Assistant Police Chief Jack Lingenfelter delivered the April monthly report, pointing out that they investigated 29 cases, made eight arrests, responded to 354 calls for service, conducted 46 traffic stops (or nearly 1.5 per day), issued 34 citations, answered nine alarm calls, and investigated five collisions, none of which involved injuries.
