Following months of preparation and planning through a budget committee, the Cadiz City Council observed first reading of its anticipated 2026-27 budget Thursday night — revealing a tight, nearly-balanced ledger.
According to Administrative Officer Jack Lingenfelter and council members:
+ General fund revenue will crest $4.8 million, with expenditures landing around $4.4 million, leaving about $375,000 for carryover into 2027-28.
+ And water fund revenue will crest $2.9 million, with expenditures landing around $2.8 million, leaving less than $80,000 for carryover into 2027-28.
In 2025, the City of Cadiz had a projected revenue of $4.26 million, but actually saw $4.5 million, meaning officials believe at least $300,000 more is coming this way.
According to a new personnel and pay classification plan, which still needs a second reading and final approval, several key city positions and their compensation ranges have been clarified, but do remain dependent on training and other potential incentives:
*Assistant City Clerk makes between $28,000 and $51,000.
*City Clerk and Administrative Officer make between $35,000 and $85,000.
*An Event Coordinator, no longer a Main Street Manager, would make between $10,000 and $42,000.
*A Finance Director will make between $37,000 and $64,000.
*An intern could be hired at $14-to-$16/hr.
*Parks And Recreation Director can make between $31,000 and $61,000.
*Police Chief will make between $62,000 and $74,000.
*Police Major will make between $58,000 and $70,000.
*Police Officer will make between $49,000 and $60,000.
*Public Works Director will make between $43,000 and $94,000.
*Assistant Public Works Director will come under a stipend, valued between $4,000 and $20,000.
*And Water Department Clerk will make between $27,000 and $52,000.
Among the city’s expected expenditures include:
*A total $35,250 for Mayor, including the position’s pay, some travel and an allotment for special projects.
*A $600,000 payout of restaurant tax, back to the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist Commission.
*A $300,000 employer’s retirement expense.
*A $180,000 cost for Kentucky League of Cities Insurance.
*A $250,000 cost for administrative payroll, and $31,000 for city council payroll.
*More than $670,000 for Police Department payroll.
*More than $320,000 for Street Department payroll.
*More than $25,000 for Fire Department payroll.
*And $10,000 set aside for economic incentives.
A line item labeled “Administration LOAN PAYMENT” is zero for 2026-27.
The second reading of this budget is expected during a special-called session at 5 PM, Tuesday, May 19, or May Primary evening.
In other council news:
+ Following approval from the council, the Cadiz-Trigg County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 26, at 6 p.m. at the Renaissance Center regarding a proposed annexation and zoning change tied to industrial development in Cadiz. Commission members will hear public comments concerning a request to annex nearly 50 acres adjacent to “The Spec Building” and rezone the property to I-2 Heavy Industrial. The land includes Lot 9, located west of Kentucky 276 about two-tenths of a mile north of U.S. 68 and just west of Interstate 24. Officials said the area is adjacent to Lot 8 at 322 International Drive, which is currently zoned I-1 Industrial.
+ Council members closed with executive session, for deliberations based on the future acquisition and/or sale of real property by a real agency, but only when publicity would be likely to affect said property’s value. No action was taken.
+ And “Take Kids Fishing” Day is scheduled for 9 AM until noon Saturday, June 6 at West Cadiz Park.
