Key Decisions
- Council approved the fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget, which includes a 3% pay raise for all city employees, $33 million in capital improvements (including $22 million for street projects), and utility rate increases.
- Council approved utility rate increases: 15% for water, 3% for sewer, and 5% for solid waste. The water increase is part of a voter-approved five-year plan to fund $50-53 million in water system infrastructure improvements.
- Council approved a performance agreement with the Ryland R. Meyer Trust for improvements at Baldwin Farm subdivision.
- Council approved a license agreement with Broadway Theater LLC for a sidewalk cafe at 805 Broadway.
- Council approved the record plat of Presley's Addition.
- Council appointed Larry Patterson to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Bruce Baker to the Board of Appeals.
Budget & Finance
- The $33 million capital improvements budget includes $22 million for street projects. Projects are budgeted in lump sum when they begin but take multiple years to complete.
- Finance Director Lisa Mills reported that cost optimization efforts led by new systems analyst Lindy Prendel have already identified $299,000 in process improvements since fall 2025.
- Mills explained the city used the Tyler Munis software system (used by the 25 largest U.S. cities) to create real-time data "hub cards" that allow multiple departments to access centralized information, improving efficiency.
- The city balanced expenditures with flat revenues by asking departments to maintain or reduce spending levels early in the budget process.
- An additional $350,000 was budgeted for police vehicle replacements due to savings achieved through department efficiency.
Community Voices
Edward Bauerle, a recent Citizens Academy graduate, addressed council about the budget and water rate increase. Bauerle said he appreciated the complexity of running city departments after completing the academy, but expressed concern that the 15% water rate increase asks Cape Girardeau residents to "continue to prop up the people that you give all the tax incentives to." He said businesses receiving tax breaks should "pay their fair share" rather than residents bearing the cost. Council members responded that the water rate increase applies equally to all users including businesses, with no special rates or incentives, and is part of a voter-approved plan from August 2025.
Cindy Maher asked whether the city is planning a data center in Scott County that would use Cape Girardeau water and electric utilities. She asked if citizens would be notified and involved in any such decision, and whether it would be put to a vote. Mayor Guard said he had already responded to her inquiry that the rumor was not true, and offered to discuss the matter with her after the meeting.
Jay Goodart, vice president of the Dalhousie Homeowners Association, complained about deteriorating streets in the neighborhood. Goodart said crews repeatedly patch concrete streets with asphalt, which he said worsens deterioration. He said the problem affects about a 300-yard stretch and asked the city to "fix it right the first time" with concrete rather than applying "band-aids." Mayor Guard suggested Goodart check the city website to see if Dalhousie streets are scheduled for repair, and if not, to contact council members to discuss getting them on the list.
Watch This
- Bill 26-47, establishing the new utility rates, received first reading and will return for a second vote.
- Bill 26-46, adopting the operating budget, received first reading and will return for final approval.
- The city's new water system improvement webpage provides real-time updates on project status, revenues, spending, and reserves. The website also tracks street repair projects with daily updates.
Other Business
Council recognized graduates of the spring 2026 Citizens Academy: Edward Barely, Jonathan Dohan, Daniel Dowling, Fawn Kazmierczak, Paul Ponder, Gary Springer, and Brooklyn Stevens. Mayor Gard thanked Communications Director Nicolette for creating the program in 2018.
Council members reported on various community activities. Councilman Thomas noted the influx of weekend visitors from sports tournaments brought by Parks and Recreation, encouraging residents to welcome them. Councilman Bliss thanked department heads for their presentations at the Friday budget workshop. Mayor Gard recognized Kendra Booz, who retired after 42 years in the city finance department. Councilman Shaaf noted that Owen Blattle was named one of Missouri's 14 most positive student athletes. Council members also praised local high school athletes' performance at state competitions.
Mayor Gard reported meeting with Old Town Cape, SEMO Reddy, and the Cape Chamber about downtown inventory and vacant buildings.
The meeting was held on May 27, 2026. Council held a six-hour budget workshop the previous Friday with department heads.
Recaps are based on the official meeting recording and may contain errors or omissions. Always refer to the full recording for authoritative information.