JACKSON COMMUNITY UPDATE

Thanks to everyone who participated in the First Annual Jackson Merchants/City of Jackson Christmas Display in City Park. The displays were enjoyed by many who drove by to see them. Rest assured that the display will be expanded in the years to come.

Our new water tower at Interstate 55 in east Jackson is now operational. Painting will be finished as weather permits. Increased fire protection and water pressure will be enjoyed by many in Jackson because of this improvement.

The 1996 Jackson city budget has been approved by the Board of Aldermen. City staff did a great job in presenting a budget that is balanced and allows us to live within our means.

We were able to fund some major capital improvements while others will have to wait. A proposed parks and recreation director for our park system did not make the final budget for this year, but we will try to make this needed position a high priority for 1997.

Even with the growth Jackson has seen and its many budget demands, our total fund balances are as high as any time in Jackson's history. This means our financial position is very strong and secures a bright future for our growing town.

Tuesday was the first day of business and the first Board of Aldermen meeting in our new City Hall. This beautiful facility will serve Jackson for the next 50-plus years. Our old City Hall will be auctioned to the highest bidder at 10 a.m. Friday.

Delbert Mouser is our 1995 Employee of the Year. Delbert has put in many loyal years with the city and is liked and respected by all associated with him.

As most of you know, we have decided to move our public library into the first and second floors of the west wing in the new City Hall. The first floor, which is concrete, will not require any load limit renovation for books. The library move will be made later this spring after some minor renovations.

This library will be a somewhat scaled-back version of what we now have. It will operate within its tax base with no help from general revenue funds. We felt this solution was far better than closing our city library.

Building continues to be strong in Jackson but has shown some leveling off in the second half of 1995. Slower residential growth will allow our city departments to catch up with our present growth and plan for the future. Our infrastructure continues to be strained by the growth of the last few years. We are continuing to work toward upgrades in the areas of electric, water, sewer and street improvements to insure our future orderly growth.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen meets every Monday night at 7:30 at City Hall, 101 Court St. Your ideas and input to make Jackson a better place are welcome. In closing, let me wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year!