Canton Board of Aldermen tackles infrastructure and public safety

Special to The Canton News 

The Canton Board of Aldermen convened for two regular meetings in December 2025 to address a range of municipal priorities, from drainage improvements to landfill expansions and holiday observances. Mayor Tim C. Taylor presided over the sessions held at Canton City Hall on Dec. 2 and Dec. 16, where city leaders moved forward on several multi-million dollar projects.

During the Dec. 2 meeting, the board focused heavily on public works and city planning. Members approved the final pay request and contract close-out documents for the City of Canton Drainage Improvements Project, certifying the final completion of the work performed by R&C Services. The board also reviewed and conditioned a site plan for a Yates Construction Company staging yard and a conditional use exception for a youth baseball and softball training center on Highway 51 South. In preparation for the coming year, officials formally adopted the City of Canton’s 2026 holiday calendar and discussed the 2026-2027 fire protection service contract with the Madison County Fire Protection District.

The mid-month session on Dec. 16 saw significant movement on landfill operations and city infrastructure. The board considered a resolution to authorize a $13 million loan from the Mississippi Development Bank for Subtitle D landfill expansion and solid waste improvements. Related landfill actions included the approval of an equipment rental agreement for a waste handling dozer and a payment to Think Creative Intelligence for garbage collection decals. Public safety also remained a priority, as the board accepted a $196,500 check from the Madison County Board of Supervisors specifically to restore and modernize the city’s tornado warning system.

Additional municipal business included the approval of $30,000 for roof repairs at the Multipurpose Complex and authorizing the advertisement of the city’s upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration scheduled for Jan. 19, 2026. The board also navigated complex local policy by considering a resolution to opt out of the Safe Solicitation Act, a move recently mirrored by several other Mississippi municipalities. Both meetings concluded with executive sessions to discuss personnel matters, prospective litigation, and the potential purchase or sale of land.