City to collect nearly $200,000 from timber sale

The City of Cairo will net nearly $200,000 from the sale of standing timber on city property on Wight Road, south of the city.

The last remaining large tract of the defunct Land Application Sewer System, which is approximately 78 acres, will be clear cut and replanted, according to Cairo city manager Chris Addleton.

Through the city’s consulting forester, Russell Fowler, bids for the mature timber were solicited and on Monday night the council accepted the high bid from Canfor Corporation for $195,035.00. Other bids received included $187,715.00 from Balfour Timber Company and $165,800.00 from Flint River Timber Company.

“This is the last of the mature timber on the property?” Councilman Lannis Thornton asked. Addleton indicated that it was.

“The proceeds of the sale will be used for repayment of the utility bonds?” Councilman James H. (Jimmy) Douglas inquired. Addleton said the cost of replanting would be deducted and the remainder would be used to pay down the combined utility bonds.

The council voted 4-0 to accept Canfor’s high bid. Councilman Demario Byrden was absent Monday night.

In other business Monday night, the council:

• Heard an update on the city’s 2019-2020 audit, which has been completed and distributed to members of the council finance committee. Addleton said the audit was not finalized by auditor Nick Valenti of Valenti, Rackley & Associates in time for the finance committee to review and make a recommendation for the council Monday night. According to the city manager, the finance committee will hold a called meeting next week and Valenti will appear before the council to give a report on the audit at the April 12 council meeting. Addleton recommended that the council authorize the finance committee to approve the document so that it could be submitted to the state prior to the deadline of March 31, which the council did so unanimously.

• Approved an alcohol beverage license for PMJ Food Mart, 1250 U.S. Hwy 84.

• Heard a report from the city manager concerning pre-construction meetings held last week on two major city projects. Addleton said a notice to proceed on Southern Terrace Park was issued for March 29 with substantial completion on Sept. 25.  A pre-construction meeting on a water system loop project was also held last week and a notice to proceed has been issued for April 12 and substantial completion is set for Jan. 8, 2022. A major component of the loop project is to connect the new airport water plant with the above-ground storage tank at Hilltop on 17th Avenue N.W.

• Heard a request from Councilman Lannis Thornton for Addleton to request the city police to be more aggressive in enforcement of the littering ordinance. “There is paper all along our streets all over town. It’s not just one section, it’s everywhere,” Councilman Thornton said.