CONSTRUCTION FIGURES RISE; JACKSON FINANCES IN BEST SHAPE EVER

JACKSON -- The City Staff and the City Council are starting to discuss the 1998 City Budget for Jackson. Many projects and requests will be discussed before a final budget is approved. In the end I am confident that we will approve a budget that is balanced to our incomes but also meets the needs of Jackson. Jackson's present financial position is the best in our history. We intend to work toward maintaining this strong position for many years to come.

Construction figures remain strong through the first three quarters of this year. New construction dollar amounts are on a pace to equal or exceed the record year we had in 1994. More than $18 million was spent on new construction in 1994 and this year more than $15.5 million has been spent over three quarters. New housing starts remain strong on a pace to build about 90 new homes this year. Orderly growth supported by good infrastructure continues to be a top priority in Jackson.

I recently conducted a two day tour of 13 city departments. Also participating in the tour were Councilman Gerry Hoffman, Dave Reiminger, Val Tuschhoff, David Ludwig, Dave Hitt, Administrator Steve Wilson and Public Works Director Jim Roach. The general purpose of the tour was to visit with employees, discuss their suggestions, get a firsthand view of ongoing projects in the City and to stress cooperation and an open door approach between employees and the elected officials.

The sewer project for Grandview Acres is really ready to go out for bids. This project has been ongoing for some time and various delays have occurred. These all seem to be behind us and construction, depending on the weather, should start late in 1997 or early in 1998.

It was my pleasure to help welcome firefighters from Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois at the annual regional fire school held in Jackson on Oct. 25-26. This year marked the 20th year for Jackson to host this event. Full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters all attended this school to continue their training on how to make our lives safer. The dedication of these firefighters should make all the communities they represented very proud. The Jackson Fire Department was well represented at the school.

The holiday season is quickly approaching and on behalf of the Council I would like to wish every citizen of Jackson a very Happy Thanksgiving.

The Council meets every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in Jackson. These sessions are all open to the public and your suggestions on how we can improve Jackson are always welcome.

Paul W. Sander

Mayor of Jackson