No final decision made on city tax issue, mayor says

Following a meeting being described as a “city-county partnership meeting” Monday morning, the city of Cairo is no closer to having its ad valorem taxes collected by the Grady County tax commissioner, but Mayor Richard VanLandingham says it is not a dead issue.
“We discussed the tax issue, but no final decision has been made. We will discuss it a little further,” the mayor said.
However, the time frame for discussing for this tax year is close to expiring so City Manager Chris Addleton says the city will likely proceed with collecting its own taxes this year. Addleton is hopeful a deal can be reached with the county next year.
Grady County commissioners have publicly stated they would agree to Tax Commissioner Phyliss Gainous collecting city taxes at no fee, but they are opposed to any agreement where the tax commissioner would be paid a $1.25 fee per parcel as is currently being proposed.
The commissioners would have to approve any contract between Mrs. Gainous and the city.
In addition to the tax issue, the mayor said he, Addleton, Chairman Al Ball and County Administrator Rusty Moye talked about becoming more involved in issues that affect both governing bodies and discussed including officials of the Grady County Board of Education. Another topic of discussion was the county running and managing municipal elections.
“There are some real opportunities there,” Mayor VanLandingham said.
“I was personally pleased with the approach and willingness of the county to have regular meetings. I think it was a good meeting this morning,” the mayor said.
VanLandingham stressing the point that a final decision on the county collecting the city’s taxes has not been made concluded the discussion Monday night by saying, “hopefully we can give you a final answer on the tax issue at the next meeting.”
In other business Monday night, the council:
Discussed the possibility of accepting a donation of eight acres along Little Tired Creek from First Investments, Inc. Addleton plans to have a Phase I Environmental Assessment of the tract before accepting the donation. The city council also discussed the likelihood of granting Grady County a 200 foot easement along the creek as part of the conservation easement it needs as part of the provisions of the 404 permit approved earlier this year for the construction of the 960-acre Tired Creek Lake.
Approved the set-up of a 1997 manufactured home within the corporate limits of Cairo after having inspected the unit.
Approved a special event permit for a community block party filed by Fondren Williams.
Approved a special event permit for the 2010 Cairo High School Homecoming Parade.