JACKSON CITY BUDGET BEING FINALIZED

The 1999 budget for the City of Jackson is being finalized by the City Council and city staff. The budget will be balanced but progressive as our needs continue to expand with the growth of Jackson. Jackson continues to enjoy excellent financial stability, and we intend to maintain this position to ensure the future of our community.

A second Jackson-Cape Girardeau joint council meeting is being planned for January. Almost a year ago a historic first meeting was held, and continued cooperation between our two cities on issues that affect the entire area constitute another such meeting. The meeting will be held in Jackson and details will be made public as soon as possible.

We have annexed the future Highway 61 North industrial tract into the City of Jackson. The 60-acre tract will now go through the rezoning process. A committee comprised of members from several interested groups will then make a recommendation to the full City Council as to how we can best proceed and market the property for industrial growth and, we hope, some additional jobs for our community.

After some 18 months of planning and study, the new City of Jackson Comprehensive Plan will soon be approved. SEMO Regional Planning, the Jackson Planning and Zoning Board and the City Council have worked hard to make this a good guideline for the future. This important planning tool will be updated as needed and will serve Jackson well as our community continues to strive for orderly growth.

A new state-of-the-art fire engine has been added to our fleet to better protect and serve Jackson. This $350,000 fire engine was included in this year's budget. Our fire department personnel are now responding to all fire calls and medical emergencies in Jackson. Come see our new fire truck in the Jackson Christmas parade.

The annual Jackson Christmas parade will be held Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy the fun!

Paul Sander is mayor of Jackson.