Board of Aldermen Work Session, Friday, October 16, 2026

The City of Starkville Board of Aldermen held a work session on October 16, 2026, in preparation for its October 20 meeting. The main discussion covered the CDBG-funded sewer project serving the Sand Road and Henderson Road area. Officials described federal environmental review, floodplain notices and comment periods, easements and property acquisition, and procurement requirements. Environmental clearance was estimated to be roughly 60 days away; the subsequent schedule was estimated at four months for acquisition, two months for bidding and contracting, and six months for construction. The project was estimated at approximately $1.2–$1.3 million, with about $700,000 in CDBG funding and the city responsible for the balance; officials clarified that the grant has a maximum award rather than a fixed 80/20 match. The planned gravity system would serve about 21 Sand Road residences and properties along Henderson Road and part of Louisville Street, with a lift station and related land acquisition also required. Eligible residents would receive the house connection at no charge under the grant. No formal procurement vote was taken during the work session.

For the October 20 agenda, members indicated consent placement for several procurement and spending items, including three airport AIP change orders and two grant pre-applications; Tree Huggers tree-maintenance services; a wastewater project change order expected to reduce sludge-disposal costs; the low bid for the Curry Well electrical rehabilitation; renewal of Barracuda software, which was reported to have decreased in price; and advertising for bids for Josie Creek lift-station construction. The agenda also included a fire-gear trial with multiple vendors, with no upfront cost and a discounted purchase option afterward, as well as state-appropriation memoranda of understanding and budget adjustments reflecting higher fuel costs and other revised expenses. These were agenda discussions and anticipated consent items, not approvals recorded at this work session.