COUNCIL TO CONSIDER DOUBLING COST OF FIRE PROTECTION CONTRACTS

The cost of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department's services could soon double for property owners located outside of the city limits.

The Cape Girardeau City Council tonight will consider a resolution increasing the annual fee for fire protection beyond the city boundary from $500 to $1,000. The new rate would apply to the fiscal year that began July 1.

Landowners with property outside of the city may contract with the department for protection if the property isn't in another municipality that has a fire department, isn't within a rural fire protection district or is within five miles of the city limits.

The $500 annual fee hasn't changed since the council adopted its original outside fire protection policy in 1988.

According to a letter to the city council from acting fire chief Mark Hasheider and city manager Michael Miller, the cost to the department for providing services outside of the city has increased, necessitating the fee hike.

The owners of 22 properties outside of the city contracted with the department for fire protection last year. All but one of those have renewed their contracts for the current year.

Renaissance resolution

The council will also consider a resolution accepting a $750,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development for infrastructure improvements at Cape Girardeau Regional airport. The improvements are part of the deal bringing an aircraft production facility to the airport.

Renaissance Aircraft plans to build a $1.2 million, 60,000-square-foot facility at the airport, with construction to begin later this year. A company official has said the plant will eventually employ more than 200 workers.

The city plans to sell $2.1 million in bonds to finance the construction and airport improvements. Renaissance will pay off the bonds over 20 years.

The company plans to produce the Renaissance 8F, a two-seat plane to be marketed to recreational pilots. The planes would sell for between $75,000 and $100,000 each.

Final approval of an ordinance creating a cooperative agreement between the city, Jackson and Cape Girardeau County to pursue construction of an Interstate 55 interchange at the Main Street and Coker Road intersection will also be considered. The council gave first-round approval July 2.