Raises proposed for city employees in Jackson

City employees in Jackson will see an average pay increase of about 3 percent if the city's proposed 2009 budget goes through, according to city administrator Jim Roach.

He said despite the national economy, the city's coffers are in good shape.

"We're in the black," said Roach, noting that many city departments will finish 2008 with surplus funds. The raises are part of the city's proposed $27 million budget, which goes before the Jackson Board of Aldermen on Monday.

Jackson's raises are a marked difference from the city of Cape Girardeau, where, in response to lagging revenue, employees are getting a one-time $600 bonus but no salary increase.

Nearly half of Jackson's revenue, $14 million, comes from the city's sale of electricity, water and sewer services which have long been the city's largest source of income, Roach said. No utility rate increases are planned for 2009.

Even though revenue from utilities and sales taxes is down slightly, Roach said he did not anticipate the city falling into the red next year.

"We'll postpone some projects that we might have done this year otherwise," he said.

The city's emergency fund, a reserve primarily dedicated to the electric service, seems to have bounced back, according to Roach, despite the dent caused by February's ice storm. The storm dumped up to an inch of ice on the area, destroying more than 50 utility poles, breaking power lines and downing trees. The cleanup cost an estimated $1 million, but 85 percent of that was repaid by federal and state emergency management agencies, he said. The electric surplus fund grew by $700,000 to $6.7 million.

The aldermen will also review three street committee items: an ordinance finalizing phase one of Cold Creek Estates subdivision; adding stops signs to Canyon Trail, Prairie View Trail, Pinewood Court, Clear Spring Trail and Vista Ridge Place; and a proposed change order to the contract with Oak Ridge-based Fronabarger Concreters Inc. for the 2008 annual concrete street repair program.

Among the planning and zoning issues is the repeal of Barton Street's no-parking zone. A study session is scheduled following the regular session.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday at city hall, 101 Court St.