In January 2019, Thomas Futrell took over the position of Cadiz Fire Chief — a spot previously held by former Public Works Director Kerry Fowler for nearly two decades.
During Tuesday night’s Cadiz City Council meeting, Futrell’s five-year run in the post came to an end, following the tendering of his resignation — which becomes official March 12.
A 25-year veteran of the Cadiz Volunteer Fire Department, Futrell noted that he’s not leaving the station and hanging up his gear, but that other demands are pulling his attention, and he’s making way for a new officer.
Cadiz Mayor Todd King announced the new leader will be Trigg County native Josh Holley, who will be officially sworn in during a 6 PM March 12 ceremony at the main station.
King, and all council members, thanked Futrell for his service — particularly under a constrained budget cycle.
As for his final monthly report, Futrell said February was slower than usual, with two of three calls coming from fire alarms, and that a $10,000 personal protective equipment grant has just arrived for the department.
In other city council news:
— Council members unanimously approved Municipal Order 24-01, accepting the state rates of mileage and meal reimbursement for city employees. A first reading of Ordinance 24-01, involving a suggested 5% annual increase of water rates, was also heard.
— April 6, the first Saturday of the month, is also the city’s first Cruz-in of the year, and will be the Jesse Thomas Day. King said he would be reading a related proclamation.
— Cadiz Police Chief Tyler Thomas noted there were 641 calls for service in February, with nine arrests and 43 cases opened and 40 citations issued. There were also nine vehicle collisions, only one with injury. Furthermore, all three police surplus vehicles…a 2011 Crown Victoria, a 2007 Ford Explorer and a 2014 Police Interceptor…received bids from the public. The council respectfully approved high bids of $1,080, $650 and $2,100, and gave Thomas the authority to accept the next best bid if the awardee decided to decline.
— Public Works Director Craig Oakley said spring cleaning of the downtown has already begun with the pressure washing of sidewalks, and that mowing might begin later this week, pending weather. Council members also unanimously approved a material-only bid of $92,209.34 for all associated materials, save for rock and repaving, for the walking trail sewer extension project.
— South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council’s Carter Hendricks and Sharon Butts delivered a 25-minute presentation to council members in executive session, in which no action was taken. It was closed to the public, in reference to discussions between a public agency and a representative of a business agency, concerning specific proposals as they pertain to siting, retention, expansion and/or upgrading of a business.
