Jackson aldermen approve 2012 budget

The Jackson Board of Aldermen approved a 2012 city budget Monday night reflecting a projected $25.5 million in revenue, subject to final amendment next year.

The board held a public hearing before voting to approve it. However, it lasted less than five minutes because no residents attended.

Mayor Barbara Lohr said that assistant city administrator Larry Koenig prepared documents for city officials to review about two weeks ago. The budget includes raises of 2.5 to 3 percent for city employees and increased retirement benefits through the Local Government Employees Retirement System.

"This is a good thing for our employees," Lohr said. "I am pleased that we are able to do that."

Budget packets outlining details of revenue and expenditures are available as public record through the city clerk's office. The budget will be adjusted in February to reflect actual 2011 year-end balances, Koenig said.

Other business

In other business, a motion was made to change the date of the board of aldermen meeting and study session from 7 p.m. Jan. 2 to Jan. 3, in observance of the New Year's Day holiday.

A public hearing was set for 7 p.m. Jan. 17 to hear comment on the rezoning of 4.46 acres of property at 2478 South Hope St. from R-1 residential to C-2 commercial use. Paul and Joretta Alee and Royce L. Marble submitted the request to allow them to build a construction office on the property in addition to a residential home, according to Janet Sanders, planning and zoning superintendent. Adjacent property owners will be notified in writing.

A number of ordinances were passed concerning amending the speed limit, posting stop signs, flashing signals and no-parking signs on the extension of South Old Orchard Road under construction that will connect Bainbridge Road to East Main Street.

Rodney Bollinger, director of public works, said that contractors plan for the project, which started late summer, to be completed in February. At that time, the city will add final details.

In the study session following the board meeting, the aldermen discussed problems with the access to Jackson Football Park on West Jackson Blvd. David Reiminger explained that the narrow 20-foot entrance has been causing congestion and is a danger to drivers. The city plans to work with the Missouri Department of Transportation so they will lift a deed restriction that prohibits Jackson from reconstructing the entry or curbs.

salderman@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO