Jackson board approves TIF and hearing for tax rates

On the eve of what's being promoted as "the biggest and best Homecomers ever," the Jackson Board of Aldermen made short work of its fairly short agenda. The board did not have any cause for a closed session.

Perhaps the most significant approval went to the city's Interstate 55 corridor tax increment financing district. Mayor Barbara Lohr said she hoped the move would spur development in that area.

Janet Sanders, Jackson's building and planning superintendent, reported that the 13 proposals delivered in response to the city's comprehensive plan had been narrowed to five companies, each of which will send officials to a round of interviews in August.

City administrator Jim Roach announced that the committee formed to explore building a new firehouse will meet at 3 p.m. Thursday in the fire administration building at 503 S. Hope St.

The aldermen unanimously approved every issue, setting public hearings on community block grants, setting tax rates for city services and rezoning 1109 Kimbel Lane from residential to professional office.

The board also accepted a plaque for being a gold-level Reliable Public Power Provider, given by the American Public Power Association. When Don Schuette, city's director of electric utilities, delivered the plaque, he confirmed that the city's power plant is also celebrating a 100-year anniversary this year.