Jackson board OKs land deal, 2005 budget

The Jackson Board of Aldermen accepted the dedication of 14.45 acres to its park system Monday night.

The board voted unanimously to accept the land just south of the old soccer park and west of Russell Heights Cemetery and east of Rocky Branch.

Mayor Paul Sander said the property, donated by PB Properties LLC, will be used for the youth football program.

The construction of the new soccer park along Route PP will make room for a few youth football fields. The extra land will make even more room available.

The board also unanimously passed the 2005 budget Monday night. Among the $26.7 million the city plans to spend in 2005 is the addition of three new firefighters, virtually mandated by the Insurance Services Office.

"There's only two reasons why we did this," Sander said. "To maintain our ISO rating at a five, which will save residents a considerable amount of money. The second reason we did this is we're giving the public a higher level of protection."

In addition to passing the budget, the board also voted to give an extra $3,000 to the Cape Girardeau County Transit authority. The donation puts the city's subsidy at $9,000 for 2005. The city also agreed to give $3,000 to the Jackson Senior Center.