The Perry City Council met in regular session on Monday.

According to Marketing and Engagement Coordinator Chris Cohea, the council held a public hearing for JBS USA, as they requested two parcels of land located on the south intersection of Highway 141 and Willis Avenue, along L Avenue to build a new meatpacking facility. During the public hearing, Cohea expressed that several residents publicly spoke bringing up concerns like safety issues with a heavy amount of vehicle traffic in the area and the potential smell that would impact nearby nursing homes, churches, and the school. 

However, Cohea highlights there were residents that showed support for the plant, pointing out that it would bring in many jobs following the closure of the Tyson Foods Pork Plant in June 2024. He continues that Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks wrote a letter in favor of moving JBS USA into town and believes the organization will be a great partner with the school district. Cohea concludes that Mayor Dirk Cavanaugh would take all comments into consideration, but is excited for the opportunity to have JBS USA steer more employment back into the community. 

Cohea tells Raccoon Valley Radio that items on the agenda that were approved included a resolution to award TK Concrete Incorporated to fund the downtown improvement phase one project in the amount of $4.2 million, a General Accounting Expense drawdown of $32,182 on the CDBG Upper Story Housing Conversion Grant to convert a property located at 1306 2nd Street owned by the Nudgers Kerns Managers into apartments, and a resolution to accept an Urban Renewal Loan Application that would allow Dignan’s Double Header LLC Owner Chris Carstarphen to borrow $75,000 to renovate and expand apartments at a building located at 1315 2nd Street.

Cohea adds that the council held the first reading for an ordinance amending the code for chapter 165 in relation to zoning regulations with the two parcels that JBS USA is planning to utilize. He notes that the council approved the first reading and the second and possible third readings will be held at a future meeting.