CAIRO MAYOER SEES `POSITIVES' THROUGH THE `NEGATIVES'

CAIRO, Ill. -- James Wilson can see some positives through the negatives in this Southern Illinois community of 4,800 people.

"One of the biggest assets we could have is the new medical mega-clinic now under construction at North Cairo," said Wilson. "The clinic is expected to open this summer. It will improve our medical situation here."

Wilson said the clinic will take care of about 75 percent of the area's medical problems.

"We've had a lot of activity here," said Wilson. "We're talking with two companies, which would provide a total of 20 to 25 jobs; there has been some expansion in town; and we're especially pleased that we could help retain one business here that provides about 100 jobs."

Wilson was referring to Cairo Waterfront Services, which was sold by its owner to the employees. The city helped the employee group obtain a $500,000 in financing.

"Work is also continuing on a new restaurant between the bridges of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers," said Wilson. "This is a project of Operation Enterprise here.

"We have established a TIF district for the city," said Wilson. "This will be an asset when we talk to people about a new business or an expansion."

Cairo residents can expect a decrease in utility rates, said Wilson. The Cairo Public Utilities Commission announced the decreases in December.

"Electricity is expected to be down about 3.9 percent, gas about 6.3 percent, and sewer rates 11.8 percent," said Wilson. "This is a city-owned utility, and the new rates are based on anticipated use and costs during the coming year."

Not all is positive, however.

"One of my greatest disappointments was the loss of the gambling riverboat to Metropolis," said Wilson. "We put in a lot of work to attract the boat here, and we feel it would have been a big economic boost to the community."

Cairo will be operating on a $1.5 million budget this year, about the same as in the previous couple of years.

"We're still in the black at this time," said Wilson. "But we're going to be looking at some cuts. Our loss of population during the past decade has resulted in the loss of more than $75,000 a year."

Cairo has lost about 1,000 residents since 1980.

"Everybody knew we would be losing about $75,000 in revenues," he said. "But on top of that the state surtax was changed, resulting in the loss of another $75,000. That's a total of $150,000 per year taken away from our budget."

The Cairo City Council recently approved an increase in the city tax levy, effective May 1.

"The new levy, which will mean about a 5 percent hike in property taxes, will generate about $100,000," said Wilson. "But that still leaves us in a $50,000 crunch," he said.

The council has taken steps to increase trash pickup fees.

Donald Jones, who operates the landfill, said he has notified the state he will be closing his landfill in September. Closing of the landfill and the cost of hauling trash elsewhere will increase the city's costs by $100,000 a year, said Wilson. "The new rate, $8.50 a month for trash pickup, should cover the costs," said Wilson.

"When I became mayor here, I had a list of goals I wanted to see accomplished," said Wilson. "These were things that would be of benefit to the community, yet could be accomplished at a minimum of cost to the city."

Wilson still has his list, resting beneath a large desk calendar on his desk. It includes such goals as:

Obtaining a rest stop at Exit 1 of Interstate 57 north of Cairo.

Riverfront development, which would include an avenue of state flags along the floodwall.

An Amtrak depot.

Air conditioning for the National Guard Armory.

"These are just a few of the things that I think can be done," said Wilson.

"The nearest rest stop from Cairo is (on I-55 at) New Madrid, to the south, and (on I-57) north of Anna, to the north," he said. "The area at the Mile 1 exit here is beginning to show growth, and a state rest area would be a natural."

Included in the growth at the exit is the new mega-medical clinic, a completely redecorated truck stop, and a couple of service stations.

The suggested site of an Amtrak depot is near the Exit 1 intersection.

"Amtrak passes through Cairo," said Wilson. "We'd like to see a nice facility at the North Cairo site, where a depot once stood. With a rest top and railroad depot, we can envision the possibility of nice, chain motels and fast-food businesses."

One riverfront development project is already on the drawing board, with the recent announcement that a boat ramp will be constructed near the 8th Street entrances to the river.

"The riverfront can be made into an attractive area," said Wilson. "I'd like to see an avenue of flags from the 8th Street entrance to the 6th Street exit, with flags from all 50 states."

Wilson said the air conditioning of the National Guard Armory would be a big asset.

"The Armory would make a great community building," said Wilson. "It could be used for town meetings, conventions and as a recreational facility."