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New Utility Rates, Cemetery Maintenance Bids Among Work Session Topics

Increased rates for water, sewer, garbage and fire protection services will become effective with the next billing cycle. The adjustments will add approximately $2.90 per billing cycle for City of Cave Spring customers. Customers outside the city limits will see a 2.5% increase to water service rates, as fire protection and garbage collection fees do not apply.

The new rates were among the items discussed during the Aug. 4, 2026, work session. Other items discussed included departmental reports and various proposals. Highlights from the work session are listed below. 

DDA Report

Preparations are underway for the PigOut coming up in September. The DDA is also already working on plans for Halloween festivities including the second annual coffin race. Other family-friendly events planned for October 17 include a skeleton fun run as well as the Halloween parade.

Court Report

The City of Cave Spring Municipal Court collected $110 last month for one paid code violation. City Manager Stephen Walker said the cost to run the municipal court is approximately $25,000 a year or approximately $2,083 per month. 

Police Report

The Cave Spring Police Department reported 875 total activities in July, including 43 dispatched calls and 832 non-dispatched calls. The activity total included 700 keep checks and 175 meet-in-person calls.

Fire Department Report

In July 2026, the City of Cave Spring Fire Department responded to 30 total calls, requiring 80 man-hours. Of those calls, 16 (53.4%) were within the City of Cave Spring, including 10 rescue calls and six fire calls, accounting for 44 man-hours. The department also responded to 14 calls (46.6%) in Floyd County, consisting of eight rescue calls and six fire calls and requiring 36 man-hours.

Billing Report

For the past billing period, the city billed $123,364.42 for water and sewer services and $25,024.33 for other services including garbage collection and fire protection. Total accounted for water was 24.7M gallons with an apparent loss of 2.8M gallons or 10.2% of the water pumped to the system.

Personnel Policy and Classification Review Proposal

City Manager Stephen Walker has asked the council to authorize the retention of a human resources consulting service to complete a comprehensive review and update of the city's personnel management documents and procedures. According to the proposal, the project would modernize the city's personnel policies and procedures, support future budgeting and workforce planning efforts, and provide clearly defined job expectations, among other benefits.

GFL

Walker also discussed his meeting with GFL, the city's garbage collection provider. He said he expects service will improve now that the regular driver is back on the route. GFL has also been dealing with equipment issues that have caused service interruptions and delays.

Cave Spring Cemetery Mowing

The city received three proposals for mowing Cave Spring Cemetery. Prices ranged from $1,249 to $2,300 per cut. Mowing is currently planned once per month. Once a provider is selected, the cost will be paid from the cemetery perpetual fund.

Storybook Inn Update

Additional forms related to the building's location within the floodplain are under review. Owner Chris Sartin attended the work session and said they should receive what they need from the Corps of Engineers within three days.

Planning and Zoning Commission

Council discussed the possibility of creating a planning and zoning commission to serve as an advisory board on planning and zoning matters. Members discussed both the benefits and potential challenges of creating such a commission, particularly regarding the rules and regulations governing the floodplain. Walker said he will look into floodplain administrator training and further explore the possibility of outsourcing certain responsibilities.

Flagging Certification

All water and maintenance department employees will attend a flagging certification course next month. Because many of the projects completed by these departments require working adjacent to roadways, safe and effective traffic control is essential. The course will provide each participant with a two-year certification and help the city manage work zones in compliance with accepted safety practices.

Executive Session

The council met in executive session to discuss a lease agreement. No action was taken.

Directional sign inside city hall


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