custom ad
NewsAugust 20, 1991

JACKSON -- The Jackson Board of Aldermen Monday night set the city property tax rate for the current tax year and approved a $1 increase in the tipping fee at the city landfill and the privately-financed development of two ball diamonds in Brookside Park...

JACKSON -- The Jackson Board of Aldermen Monday night set the city property tax rate for the current tax year and approved a $1 increase in the tipping fee at the city landfill and the privately-financed development of two ball diamonds in Brookside Park.

There is no increase in the 1991 property tax rate for Jackson property owners. After a public hearing the board set the tax levy at the same amount as last year: $1.05 per $100 assessed valuation.

The levy includes 65 cents for the general revenue fund; 13 cents each for the library and park funds; and 7 cents each for the cemetery and band funds.

Based on the city's 1991 assessed valuation of $56,241,866, the tax levy will produce $365,568 for general revenue; $52,446 for the library fund; $39,371 for the cemetery fund; $73,114 for the park fund; and $39,371 for the band fund.

Mayor Carlton Meyer said this year's total assessment is up $4 million from the 1990 assessment.

Without discussion, the board voted to increase the tipping fee at the city landfill from $7 to $8 per cubic yard.

Aldermen approved a plan for the privately-financed construction of two ball diamonds in the city's newest park, Brookside, east of Highway 61 North. However, the approval was granted with the provision that sealed bids be obtained for the earth work.

John Sander, spokesman for the Boys Baseball League, told the board two proposals were received for the earth work in the amounts of $10,200 and $9,000. But during further discussions questions were raised about the bidding process.

Alderman Paul Sander said he strongly supported the ball diamond project because the entire cost of the work will be funded from donations. But Alderman Sander said he was not comfortable with the way the prices for the earth work were obtained. "I have a big problem with the bid process," said Sander.

Receive Daily Headlines FREESign up today!

Alderman David Ludwig suggested the league advertise for bids to make sure everything is above board and legal.

The league will act as its own contractor, pay for the work, and provide a certificate of insurance. No city money will be involved; however, the work will be done under the supervision and inspection of the city engineer.

John Sander said donations for the new ball diamonds include $5,000 from Gwen Cunningham, owner of Brookside Motel and former owner of the land that is now Brookside Park; a $1,000 donation from the Jackson Women's League, $1,300 from the Boys League, $500 from the Girls League, and $1,200 from the Jackson Jaycees.

Property owners who live along Bainbridge Road from Old Cape Road to Donna Drive will receive special tax bills soon for the improvements made this summer. The board voted to accept the Bainbridge Road improvement project and issuance of the tax bills.

The board also authorized the city to advertise for bids for Phase II of the East Jackson Boulevard water-main project, which includes installation of water line along East Jackson from the Milton Nitsch property eastward to I-55. The deadline for submission of bids is Sept. 3.

Two bids were received for the West Main Street improvement project. The low bid of $129,972.44 was offered by Lappe Cement Finishing Co. The other bid of $164,788 was submitted by Fronabarger Concrete Finishers. The engineer's estimate for the cost of materials on the project was a little over $100,000, but acting city engineer Rich Bowen explained the bid was somewhat higher because the street will remain open while work is going on and because the project is starting late in the construction season.

Bowen said work on the West Main Street project would begin in about seven to 10 days.

The aldermen voted to accept the plat for Fairway Estates Second Subdivision on Ridge Road. The plat adds 14 lots to the original subdivision.

Also approved was a plat for the resubdivision of Bent Creek Phase II.

Because of the Labor Day holiday, the board changed its regular Monday meeting to Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 7:30 p.m.

Story Tags
Advertisement

Connect with the Southeast Missourian Newsroom:

For corrections to this story or other insights for the editor, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. To learn about the Southeast Missourian’s AI Policy, click here.

Advertisement
Receive Daily Headlines FREESign up today!