On the agenda: Perryvile September 3, 2026, Approved Minutes (PDF) — data center (Sep 3)

City of Perryville
Regular Meeting
September 3, 2026
The city of Perryville held a regular council meeting at City Hall at 7:00 PM.
Mayor Kernodle called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and offered a
prayer.
Roll call conducted. Present were Councilmembers Reed, Simpson, Edwards, Rita Bailey and Steve
Bailey. Quorum determined. Not present were Councilmember Caldwell, City Clerk Mona Followell
and Counselor Shewmaker.
Routine Business:
Motion made by Councilperson Steve Bailey, second by Councilperson Rita Bailey to accept minutes
from the August regular meeting. Motion carried.
Financial report approved upon motion by Councilperson Simpson, second by Councilperson Edwards,
and unanimously passed. Mayor Kernodle asked council to consider moving some funds from the
checking account, which has a significant balance, to an account that earns higher interest, such as
money market or CD.
Councilperson Simpson moved to pay pending bills. Second by Councilperson Rita Bailey and
unanimously passed.
Reports:
Main Street report presented by Director Aly Huff. A great turnout was reported for the opening of the
Book Burrow, as well as the recent merchants seminar. The following street closures were requested
for the upcoming Commemoration: A L Crain Ln, Smith, E Third and E First to Bragg, from the
evening of October 1 through midnight of October 3; W Fourth to Buell, Buell to Second, Second to
Buckner, Polk from Second to First, for the parade at 11:00 a.m. on October 3. Also requested was
temporary closure of S Buell in front of Merchants Row for a street skirmish at 2:00 p.m. on October 3
Councilmember Simpson made a motion authorizing said street closures. Second by Councilmember
Steve Bailey and passed unanimously.
Fire Department report presented by Chief Stevens. Councilmember Steve Bailey expressed concern
over people entering the condemned Deering property on Wheeler Street. He stated people who
maintain the property removed the caution tape and entered a building. Chief Hatter explained citations
can be issued if they are seen on the property and agreed to address this. Chief Stevens has talked with
Whitaker about plans to demolish the buildings. Bailey pointed out that blacktop on Anderson Street
was damaged when the equipment was offloaded. Mayor Kernodle agreed to contact Whitaker.
Police report and ABC report were presented by Chief Hatter.
A written attorney’s report was left by Counselor Shewmaker. A copy is kept as part of City’s record.
Old Business:
First reading was given to the ordinance regulating and authorizing golf carts to be utilized on
designated city streets. Councilperson Steve Bailey made a motion to accept first reading. Motion
seconded by Councilperson Simpson and unanimously passed.

Councilperson Simpson completed a drawing of the sidewalk extension project on Buell Street. A
highway encroachment permit is being obtained and bids are being accepted.
Mayor Kernodle reported that water is entering the fire station building and the front office wall is very
soft and may contain mold. The floor jacks placed under the office floor some years ago have rusted
and the floor is settling. He has asked Brian Caldwell and Jason Pruitt for advice, based on their
construction experience. Chief Stevens reported water leaking along the wall between the bay and gear
room, as well.
The apartment at the same location needs replacement of a toilet and faucets. Bertice contacted Mark
Kitchen, but he is currently unavailable. Councilperson Steve Bailey obtained a quote from Mark
Leads from Burgin. The tenant is a diligent occupant and has been waiting for some time for repairs.
Mayor Kernodle suggested obtaining three quotes.
New Business:
Councilperson Bailey expressed interest in council consideration of new home restrictions, including
roof pitches. He has spoken with Counselor Shewmaker regarding this.
Council discussed the 2026 property tax rates. The compensating rates would be .271 per $100 of
assessment for real property and .379 for personal property. The four percent rates would be .281 for
real and .398 for personal property. Motion made by Councilperson Reed to adopt the compensating
rates. Councilperson Simpson seconded. Motion carried 4-1. Councilperson Steve Bailey opposed.
First reading was given to the ordinance establishing the 2026 property tax rates at 27.10 cents for real
and 37.90 cents for personal property. Councilperson Simpson made a motion to accept first reading.
Councilperson Edwards seconded. Motion passed 4-1. Councilperson Steve Bailey opposed.
There was brief discussion about street paving. Councilperson Simpson said West Fourth near the
school has a dip, possibly from water or sewer work. Mayor Kernodle will contact City of Danville.
Councilperson Steve Bailey stated Wheeler Street needs to be paved. Mayor Kernodle will talk with
Bertice and report back at the next meeting.
Open Forum:
Resident Steven Walker expressed appreciation for the recent cleanup of the river.
Mayor Kernodle informed the council of upcoming county meetings regarding data centers.
This concluding the agenda, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm, upon motion by Councilperson Reed,
second by Councilperson Rita Bailey, and passed.

Attest:
_____________________
Mona Followell, City Clerk

___________________________
Rob Kernodle, Mayor