Jackson sets Aug. 4 bond election for water-system upgrades

The Jackson board of aldermen on Monday approved an ordinance calling for a bond election Aug. 4 that would provide funding for an overhaul of the city's water system if it is approved by voters.

Jackson's aging water system has been a topic of discussion for about a year, and city officials say a number of too-small cast-iron pipes and water mains give residents and public entities such as the Jackson Fire Department inadequate and unreliable pressures and volumes.

City officials created a proposal that improves the water system, expands it and adds an eighth well in the northwest part of town and a fifth water tower on the east side near the old landfill.

All told, the upgrades include 21,355 feet of upgraded and new water mains and will cost $11.3 million. That means the average customer's monthly bill would rise to $31.41.

The last time the water system saw upgrades of a comparable measure was in 1997, with a water/sanitary sewer upgrade.

If the voters approve the project, installations and renovations will begin in 2016 and likely be completed within 10 years, officials said.

If voters reject the project, then the city will have to continue managing with the current system.

The board also accepted a $14,970 proposal from Bold Marketing of Cape Girardeau to provide an education and outreach program for the water bond election.

"Our role is to make sure all residents within the city of Jackson have access to information so they can make an informed vote," said Dana Thomas, president and owner of Bold Marketing.

Thomas said the information will be disseminated in a variety of ways, such as making details available online and at public events.

Other business

• The board set a public hearing for 7 p.m. June 15 to consider a request for a special-use permit for a 115-square-foot advertising sign in a general commercial district for Kosmetic Kar Doctor at 524 E. Jackson Blvd.
• The board approved a matching expenditure not to exceed $5,000 for the annual Independence Day fireworks display.
• The aldermen also approved a $34,600 task order to Strickland Engineering for providing engineering services for a utility relocation project at East Main and Hope streets.

klamb@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

101 Court St., Jackson, Mo.