Work Session 03 28 2025

The City of Starkville held a work session on June 30, 2025, focusing primarily on a proposed land purchase at the local airport to support industrial and economic development. The discussion centered on acquiring approximately 109 acres adjacent to the airport, with a purchase price of about $18,000 per acre, which is below recent land values in the area. The airport has secured a $1 million FAA grant to purchase part of the land, while the city and surrounding counties are being asked to jointly finance the remainder through a conventional loan estimated at 6% interest over ten years, with Starkville's share modeled at $30,000 annually. The acquisition aims to support expansion for major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus and prevent undesirable development near the airport. The airport board and local officials expressed strong support for the purchase, emphasizing its long-term economic benefits. Additionally, the meeting included consent approvals for various municipal contracts and grants, including a multimodal grant with a 5% city match, a TA grant for $1.1 million, a 48-month lease for specialized mowing equipment, a 60-month vehicle lease for police replacements, and a mechanical services agreement. A memorandum of understanding with Mississippi State University Foundation was also approved, covering 100% of costs for a new transmission line project. The session concluded with reminders about upcoming elections and absentee voting locations.