Local elected officials outline area plans for 2014

Local elected officials detailed plans and challenges for communities along with the upcoming state legislative session during a town-hall meeting Wednesday at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. The event was hosted by the League of Women Voters and the Cape Girardeau and Jackson chambers of commerce.

The meeting included Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy, Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger, Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr and state representatives Kathy Swan and Donna Lichtenegger.

Cape Girardeau County

Tracy spoke on several budget-related changes for the county that have taken place over the past year, including a switch to self-insuring county employees' health benefits and the use of a third party administrator. The move has so far saved the county about $200,000, he said.

The county also has ongoing road projects and Tracy said he expects six to seven more miles of roads will be paved in the coming year as has happened annually since voters passed the tax that funds the work. Another project in progress for the county is the addition of 18 storm warning sirens in rural communities.

A study of the county's facilities is also nearing completion and expected to be presented to the commission by a hired architectural firm Monday. The study will include options for new county facilities and Tracy said the commission is working on how to best include public input on proposals.

Cape Girardeau

Rediger said the city will continue technology upgrades for its computer systems in 2014 along with keeping up with a new program that licenses landlords and requires maintenance of properties. Taking down and repairing blighted buildings will also remain a focus for the city, which saw the demolition of the Plaza Galleria on Independence Street this year. An office complex at 1707 N. Mount Auburn Road that was damaged in a fire in late 2011 is also expected to be demolished soon, Rediger said.

Challenges for the city in 2014, according to the mayor, will be to replace the jobs that were lost when two businesses, Integrity Solution Services and PolyOne, closed; to find tenants for several large buildings along the Broadway corridor, including the Marquette Tower and the H&H building; and to assure the sale and use of the former federal courthouse.

Rediger also said he expects 2014 to be a good year for economic development in the city and that the public will hear a lot of commentary from elected officials about a possible new or renovated police station and proposed renewal of city taxes.

Jackson

Lohr said the city is constantly working to manage its $25 million annual budget and feels it is doing well by focusing on taking care of city employees and infrastructure.

The mayor said employees are planned to receive a 3 percent raise, yet the city is still struggling with the cost of health insurance and that she wishes the city could do more.

The building of new homes is a highlight of the city's growth, according to Lohr. The issuance of building permits show $4 million each month in new construction is happening in the city.

Lohr also said the city is preparing to celebrate its bicentennial in 2014. One large event will be held each month in the city, she said.

House districts

Both Swan and Lichtenegger, who are serving on Medicaid reform committees, said they expect the issue to be a hot topic in the upcoming legislative session of the General Assembly, which begins in January. Both legislators also plan to focus especially on passing legislation that relates to education and health care.

State Sen. Wayne Wallingford was also invited to the event, but could not participate. Wallingford sent a letter to the event organizers stating he was attending Medicaid transformation meetings Wednesday.

eragan@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

711 N. Clark St., Cape Girardeau, MO