Jackson seeks to boost turnout for water bond issue

As a proposed $11.5 million water-system bond issue approaches, Jackson city officials are urging residents to vote Tuesday.

The bond issue, which would fund the expansion of and upgrades to the city's water system, would be the first water bond issue since 1997. Since the last time the water system was improved, Jackson's population has grown by 26 percent -- about double the statewide average.

City administrator Jim Roach has been involved in the city's campaign to inform the public about the bond issue.

"We've been trying to get the information about the issue, primarily making presentations to civic clubs in the area. Of course, we have information on the website and on Facebook," he said, "plus additional mailer information in people's utility bills that basically outlined the issue."

Roach said the city government isn't permitted to suggest residents vote in favor of or against the measure, but it is encouraging voter participation.

"We can't tell [residents] how to vote, but we do want them to vote, and that has been the effort so far -- to tell them what the impacts would be and what the issues are," he said. "We want to know what their preference is and hopefully we get a good turnout, so that we get a good representation of the public's feelings on the issue, and we can implement their wishes, whatever they may be."

A couple of groups have expressed their support for the bond issue.

The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cape County Board of Realtors have endorsed it.

"Those are the two that I'm aware of, but there could be others," Roach said. "And I don't know if any groups have come out against it."

The chamber of commerce's statement of support called the water bond issue "critically important to future development and sustainability throughout Jackson."

Roach said the ballot will help the city move forward one way or another.

"I think as a city the important thing is that we get a good turnout," he said.

tgraef@semissourian.com

388-3627