Insurance review could change rates for Jackson

Representatives from the Insurance Services Office are in Jackson this week to determine the city's public protection classification.

The classification will come after the ISO studies the fire department, the water supply and the police dispatch system. The ISO is an organization that collects information for the insurance industry. The classification will affect insurance rates in Jackson.

John Bertram, a senior field representative with the ISO, told the Jackson Board of Aldermen Monday night that his report, which will come out in January or February, will likely include a recommendation to create a satellite fire station in the city.

Currently, Jackson -- rated a "Class 5" -- has only one fire station, located near the corner of Hope Street and West Jackson Boulevard.

In other business, the board of aldermen agreed to an $88,683 contract with Henkles & McCoy Inc., of Salem, Ill., to improve the electric lines out to the city's Industrial Park on U.S. 61.