On the evening of Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, the Cabot, Arkansas city council, led by Mayor Ken Kincade, held a work session at the Veteran’s Event Center to address several significant municipal actions. The meeting highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to manage routine tasks, infrastructure projects, and community involvement. Council members moved through an agenda that covered a range of topics, from setting tax rates to approving various resolutions concerning city projects and appointments.
The session began with the Municipal Services Committee, chaired by Ed Long, discussing an ordinance to set the millage tax rates for the City of Cabot for 2025. Mayor Ken Kincade presented this ordinance, emphasizing that the rates remained unchanged from previous years. “This is something we do every single year, and it has not changed in five years or so,” Long stated during the discussion. The council quickly approved the measure, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the existing tax structure.
Following that, the council addressed a renewed ordinance that prevents council members, officials, and municipal employees from conducting business with the city. Specifically, this ordinance involved Louis Cimino, a local business owner, whose dealings with the city were outlined by Mayor Kincade. The mayor explained, “This is something that has to be done annually,” reiterating that the ordinance was routine and essential for transparency. The council agreed to move the ordinance forward, passing it without objections.
Brian Boroughs, another key figure during the meeting, presented a resolution authorizing the city to enter into a lease agreement with Connect2First Internet, LLC for a facility at 805 West Main Street. This resolution marked the finalization of a long-running project to provide high-speed internet service in Cabot, as part of the city’s infrastructure improvements. Boroughs explained, “This is exactly what we said we were going to do from day one,” Long said, referencing the long-term planning for the Justice Center project. The council approved moving forward with the lease agreement.
Mayor Ken Kincade then presented a resolution regarding the city’s willingness to apply for grant funds under the Trails for Life program. The funds would be used to develop a loop trail at Gametime at the Grounds, a recreational facility in Cabot. Kincade explained that the grant would provide up to $250,000 in funding with no matching requirements from the city, stating, “It is a $0 match of the $250,000,” Young added. The council’s decision to pursue these funds reflects Cabot’s commitment to expanding outdoor recreational opportunities.
In terms of community appointments, two key positions were filled. The first was K. Dylan Masterson, a retired military veteran and longtime Cabot resident, who was appointed to the Cabot Parks and Recreation Commission. Mayor Kincade introduced Masterson, who spoke briefly about his connection to the community. “I’ve been involved in almost every sport or organization you could be involved with sports or Cabot Parks since I’ve been here,” Masterson said, highlighting his extensive experience. His appointment was unanimously supported by the council.
Additionally, Nina Butler was appointed to the Cabot Water and Wastewater Commission. Mayor Kincade introduced Butler, a local business owner, who expressed her excitement about the role. “I’m happy to serve my community,” Butler said, sharing her commitment to contributing to the essential work of the commission. The council approved her appointment, recognizing the vital importance of the commission’s work in managing the city’s utilities.
Another critical decision involved the approval of the purchase of a new Kubota hydraulic excavator. Paul Ross presented the resolution, noting that the new machine would replace an outdated unit in the city’s fleet that was nearly 20 years old. The current excavator requires numerous repairs, and this purchase is already in the budget, Ross explained. The council moved quickly to approve the acquisition as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its equipment.
Mayor Ken Kincade and the council efficiently worked through these important matters, underscoring their commitment to addressing the city’s needs in infrastructure, transparency, and community involvement. With all motions passing smoothly, the meeting reflected a strong sense of collaboration and forward-thinking planning for Cabot’s future.
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