Board of Aldermen Work Session, Friday, July 17, 2026.

The City of Starkville Board of Aldermen held a work session on July 17, 2026, focusing on several procurement and capital improvement projects. Key procurement discussions included approval of a $60,000 budget allocation to support the second year of American Airlines service at the local airport, with the airline showing increased passenger load factors. The board also reviewed ongoing and upcoming airport terminal expansions and infrastructure improvements totaling over $10 million. Additionally, the board consented to a $3.4 million contract award to Double S for drilling a new water well (Well Number Nine) to support city growth, with plans to seek grant funding for future wells. They discussed a new advanced transportation technology and innovation grant application, proposing to use approximately $6 million in bond funds as a match to upgrade traffic signal systems with AI and smart technology. Other procurement actions included approval of a contract amendment for water treatment plant design, renewal of airport insurance coverage, and authorization to advertise bids for a Class One rubbish site closure estimated between $1.5 and $2 million. The meeting also covered staffing changes, including creating a landscape architect position within the engineering department to support parks and streetscape projects. Overall, the session involved multiple contract approvals, budget considerations, and grant pursuits related to infrastructure and service improvements.