# LIVE City Council Meeting - November 2, 2026

The November 2, 2026, City Council meeting for the City of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, included discussion of downtown policing and a proposed tourism strategy. Police reported purchases of additional solar cameras, e-bikes, and two drones, with a replacement camera trailer on order; the Downtown CID and Old Town Cape helped supplement camera costs. A third officer is being deployed for downtown patrols when staffing and CID reimbursement allow, while the department is five officers short. Separately, the mayor reported that $1.1 million in casino revenue is budgeted for public safety equipment and needs. No new downtown equipment contract or purchase amount was presented for approval. The council scheduled a November 9 study session to review tourism strategy proposals, including a privately funded offer from local business operators to pay for a Johnson Consulting assessment estimated at $90,000 plus $12,000 in expenses and a possible $10,000–$20,000 for public engagement. The proposal has not been approved. The presentation also discussed a possible 2% restaurant tax projected to generate $89 million over 20 years, including $35 million in debt service and $36 million for proposed projects; these figures were presented for discussion, not adopted as a funding decision.

The council adopted its consent agenda, including an appropriation of operating and capital expenditures and transfers for fiscal year 2026, and advanced several items on first reading. These included a municipal agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for Route 61 and I-55 improvements, involving a required sewer-line relocation; special-use permits; and authorization of special tax bills to recover demolition costs for six dangerous structures. The meeting also included routine public hearings, proclamations, and appointments. No consultant selection or tourism-tax ballot decision was made.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 02, 2026

### Sources
- [LIVE City Council Meeting - November 2, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpuYObkp25c) - City of Cape Girardeau, Mo.