McKee City Council Executes 1st Reading of FY 2026-2027 Budget

The McKee City Council met in regular session on Monday, June 15, with Mayor Michael Stidham presiding.
Following approval of the May meeting minutes, council members heard a presentation from
Margaret Hatfield Rader of the Berea/Laurel Heights Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Mrs. Rader has been giving presentations to local organizations, including the Jackson County Fiscal Court and the Jackson County Board of Education, about the United States Flag Code and the importance of honoring the American Flag.

During her presentation, Mrs. Rader provided copies of the Flag Code to each council members, and left additional copies to be distributed to city employees. She expressed hope that those receiving the information would share it with friends and family, helping to educate others about the rules and standards governing the display and treatment of the American flag.

Mrs. Rader explained that the purpose of the presentation is to educate citizens about the significance of the American flag, what it represents, and the proper standards for displaying it. She noted that the effort is intended to encourage renewed pride in the nation’s flag and suggested there is no better time for that renewal than as the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence.

During his report, Mayor Stidham provided updates on several ongoing city projects. He reported that no new developments had occurred regarding the McKee Volunteer Fire Department Inc lease but said he would seek additional information concerning the organization’s leadership following the recent passing of Frank Thomas.

The council was also informed that the city is awaiting final paperwork before construction can begin on the Highway 89 Sewer Line Rehabilitation Project. No updates were available on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project, as engineers continue efforts to secure funding.

Mayor Stidham reported that state agencies have approved updated demolition plans for the reservoir project. The city is now awaiting final approval from the U.S. Forest Service before proceeding.

Additional infrastructure updates included the implementation of the city’s new utility billing software, which is expected to go live around the beginning of July. The first customer billing cycle using the new system is anticipated in early August. Council members were also informed that bids for the city’s new meter installation project are expected to be advertised before the end of June.
The council approved the second and final reading of the City’s Pay and Classification Ordinance. Members also conducted the first reading of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Ordinance.

During citizen and council comments, Councilman Dylan Harrison raised concerns about overgrown grass at the city farm, noting that the area’s helicopter landing zone is no longer clearly visible. Councilman Rich Waite suggested exploring whether the mowing could be bid out in exchange for the hay produced on the property.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned following unanimous approval by the council.