JACKSON PROPERTY TAX REMAINS UNCHANGED

A public hearing was recently held to hear comments concerning the 1998 property tax rate in Jackson.

The council then passed the 1998 tax rate which was unchanged from last year's rate. The rate for residents living in areas annexed into the City prior to 1965 will pay .99 cents per $100 assessed valuation. This rate includes city library tax.

Residents who live in areas annexed after 1965 will pay .87 cents per $100 assessed valuation. These residents will pay a separate Riverside library tax and no City library tax. State law dictates which library (Riverside or City) residents pay tax to. No one pays tax to both libraries.

The Council has not raised the property tax rate in many years and in fact dropped the rate somewhat last year.

The Missouri Municipal League will hold its annual conference in St. Louis, Sept. 13-15. Several council members, city administrator Steve Wilson and I will be attending this year's meeting. The Municipal League is an organization that represents the best interests of Cities with the Missouri Senate and House.

This year I have been appointed by Municipal League president mayor Tom Wilson of Grandview to serve on the nominating committee to suggest a slate of officers and Directors for the 1999 year.

I look forward to representing Jackson in helping suggest next year's leaders of this important municipal organization.

A second joint Jackson-Cape council meeting is being planned for late December or early January. Progress reports and discussions on items of mutual interest will again be major topics. Details on this upcoming meeting will come later.

Huge crowds attended this year's Homecomers celebration in Jackson. While many of these types of celebrations are declining in other cities, the Jackson Homecomers is getting better every year.

Citizens of Jackson and the surrounding area take a lot of pride in their communities. I believe that pride is a major reason the Jackson Homecomers continues to thrive year after year.

On August 10 my Father, Leonard F. Sander, passed away. On behalf of my family I would like to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers and support. Many friends sent food, plants, flowers, memorials, and cards. Many others offered their sympathy by phone or in person at the funeral home or around town in Jackson.

My Dad loved Jackson and Cape County. Most of all he loved dealing with the public and working toward the betterment of Jackson and Cape County. Knowing so many people care gives my family and me a boost during this difficult time. My family and I thank you all very much.

The council meets every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in Jackson. Your input and suggestions are always welcome.