Interested parties pulled a rabbit out of a hat Tuesday evening, when Cadiz City Council unanimously approved a 10-year, $120,000 property tax abatement for Melior Development to arrive in the community after all, but in a new location: 2268 Main Street.
The decision comes exactly one week after council members heard concerns and criticisms from the public, and let an agenda item concerning the same project being constructed along East Noel Drive fall off of the docket without a motion.
And it’s right up against an August application deadline through Frankfort’s Kentucky Housing Corporation for the next fiscal year.
Melior’s Ty Ellegood and Landon Barrow both noted city support will “go a long way” to check several boxes for a state award, with notifications expected next January.
If granted confirmation from officials in Frankfort, Ellegood and Barrow confirmed the following details:
+ The creation of no less than dozens of immediate construction jobs, and the hiring of at least 1-2 on-site staffers upon opening;
+ 38 new homes of various sizes, built to federal specifications and managed for households earning at least $34,000-to-$56,000 annually;
+ Other family-friendly implements like a community center, half-court basketball and a playground;
+ The construction of a lift pumping station valued at no less than $400,000, bringing much needed sewer infrastructure to that part of the city;
+ And an expected surplus in tax revenues, something Ellegood said hadn’t been earned on the said property in quite some time.
In fact, Ellegood said projections for county/city real estate taxes should eclipse $40,000 annually.
After the 10-year city note is met, Ellegood noted the property taxes would be a “net realized gain” for the City of Cadiz and its coffers.
Aside from the abatement, Ellegood and Barrow had other asks the council thought reasonable, which included:
+ A beseeching of annexation through the Cadiz-Trigg County Planning Commission;
+ Three documents of confirmation: a resolution of support, a commitment letter detailing the economic incentives and a commitment letter approving annexation and affirming B-2 residential zoning;
+ And acknowledgment of a letter written and long-delivered from Cadiz Public Works Director Craig Oakley and Mayor Todd King, one that reads the city’s sewer system “as is” can support another 3,100 gallons per day for this growth, which is currently valued at more than $11 million.
Ellegood and Barrow originally had around $120,000 earmarked for water infrastructure along East Noel Drive, meaning this expected increase is essentially “in kind.”
City councilwoman Brenda Price seconded a motion, following a thoughtful missive from City Administrative Officer Jack Lingenfelter and Councilman Todd Wallace.
The only hesitation came from Councilwoman Susan Bryant, who expressed slight concerns about a $12,000 annual abatement payment for the next decade, and an out-loud query about the apparent lack of county tax incentives being extended for this venture.
Ellegood and Barrow confirmed that overtures were extended to Judge-Executive Stan Humphries, but a motion never made it to fiscal court’s floor, and that it furthermore made sense to partner with the city for grant success — especially since annexation is being sought, and a constructed lift station would be attached to city utilities.
Pending approvals, site work and construction would begin summer 2026, with an expectation to be move-in ready by third- or fourth-quarter 2027.
Following the meeting, Barrow said a transaction of this property is expected to soon occur.
Tuesday’s meeting was in special session, with no allowance of public comment.
Todd Wallace’s Full Overture
Jack Lingenfelter’s Full Overture
Full Meeting
