JACKSON BOARD OF ALDERMEN APPROVES BUDGET

JACKSON -- By a unanimous vote, the Jackson Board of Aldermen Monday approved the city's 1994 budget, which calls for almost $12 million in expenditures, including a 3 percent across-the-board pay increase for all city employees. The issue had been tabled once for additional study.

The board also approved a 1994 capital street improvements list.

In a letter to the aldermen, City Administrator Carl Talley pointed out there are increased costs in every phase of the city's operation in this year's budget. He said, "It will be very important that this budget be followed very closely and the revenues be studied frequently.

"The development of this city's economic growth is needed before large expansions can be recommended for the future. In the next 10 years, city funds will not grow as fast as desired to meet planned repairs and replacement of equipment."

Talley also recommended again that changes be made in the amount of revenue the city receives "to maintain the desired level of cash flow needed to meet the desired result." As one example, Talley mentioned a water rate study.

Talley said eight full-time positions have been added to this year's budget. The budget also contains wage adjustments and a 3 percent overall pay increase, with additional insurance costs.

Commenting on the budget, Mayor Paul Sander said, "It is a totally balanced budget that keeps the financial integrity of the city of Jackson intact during the coming year."

Sander said the city will continue to pay 100 percent of the health insurance premiums for city employees and their families, plus pay the additional LAGERS retirement payments.

Also approved unanimously was legislation that increases the salary of the city administrator to $44,00.

The capital street improvement list for 1994 includes:

-- Jefferson Street, two blocks from High to Russell, asphalt to concrete.

-- Missouri Street, one block from Jefferson to Madison, asphalt to concrete.

-- North Hope, one block from Florence to Mary, asphalt to concrete.

-- Ridge Road (late 1994) to Lakewoods.

-- Gloria, from Old Cape Road to E. Jackson concrete.

-- Clover, one block from Gloria to E. Jackson, concrete.

-- East Main, (partial) extension, cut to grade only.

The board approved a change in the bidding process recommended by Public Works Director Mark Brown. In the future all bids will be opened in public at city hall on the Wednesday preceding the next Monday night board meeting. Brown said this method will allow the city staff to review all bids and make a recommendation to the aldermen.

In other business the board:

-- Authorized the purchase of two cellular phones for the mayor and city administrator.

-- Authorized bids for 2,700 feet of forced sewer main (relief bypass sewer for existing main) from Kimbeland to the Greensferry lift station.

-- Approved a motion for preliminary approval of Hickory Lane subdivision with a provision of no parking on the 24-foot-wide streets; approved the preliminary plat of Green Meadows and Oak Hills subdivisions with 24-foot-wide streets and no parking; approved acceptance of Crites-Huber street, if paved to 24 feet with no parking with concrete curb and gutters.