MAYOR REPORTS JACKSON FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR NEW YEAR

1996 is almost history, and we are moving full steam ahead into the New Year.

The 1997 budget has been approved by the council. City staff did a great job in presenting a balanced budget of about $12 million to the council. This budget reflects about a 3 percent increase from 1996 and leaves the city of Jackson in excellent financial condition to assure a bright future for our town.

The Jackson Jaycees once again sponsored an outstanding holiday Christmas parade. This parade gets bigger and better every year.

Paving is nearly complete on Gloria Street and is under way on Independence Street. Weather permitting, both of these needed improvements will soon be completed.

After the completion of Independence Street, we hope that more improvements on the Independence-Highway 61 intersection will be made to help traffic flow. We will continue to work with the Missouri Department of Transportation on this matter.

The city employee of the month for December is Jerry Morton. Jerry has worked for the parks department for more than five years.

Many of our major goals for Jackson in 1996 have been completed. Some are still in progress, and we will continue to work toward their completion.

The New Year will bring new goals and new projects. These will include a major water and sewer improvement plan. Also, a mayoral task force is forming to study the possibility of building a multipurpose community facility in Jackson. I think it's safe to say Jackson will be a progressive, growing, busy place in 1997.

During 1996 we made major advances in drug education and created a major deterrent for drug traffic with the formation of a K-9 unit.

Our two employees of the year -- Howard Hammers and Richard Rushin -- played a large role in these efforts. Howard has served our city and schools as the D.A.R.E. program leader for many years. This program educates our children on the perils of drug use. Richard took the lead in raising funds during the formation of our K-9 unit. Both of these Jackson police officers are very deserving in receiving the 1996 Employee of the Year awards.

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. 1997 looks to be another outstanding year for Jackson.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen meets every Monday night at 7:30 at City Hall. Your suggestions and input are always welcome to make Jackson a better place.

Paul Sander is the mayor of Jackson.