VOTERS DECIDE BOND ISSUE TUESDAY

JACKSON -- A $10.54 million bond issue that would allow for new city water and sewer services will be decided Tuesday by Jackson voters.

The work on the new projects would be done over a six-year period.

Sanitary sewer improvements would cost $7.375 million and water projects would cost an additional $3.165 million.

Water projects would include larger water mains that would increase water volume and pressure. The larger water mains would allow for the upgrade of the city's fire classification thus allowing for a possible 9 to 11 percent reduction in homeowners liability rates.

The 20-year bond issue would allow for a payback loan through user-fee increases.

Mayor Paul Sander said the rate increase from the bond issue will be minimal.

"Those on a fixed income, retired people and young families will have a very minimal increase," he said. "Those who use the most will pay the most."

A family who uses 4,500 gallons of water a month would have their total water and sewer bill increase from $16.20 to $19.58 in 1998, $22.25 in 1999 and to $24.70 in the year 2000.

"An average user may only have an increase of $2 month," Sander said.

After getting the facts to the voters, Sander said he believes the bond issue will pass.

"We are giving the people information to make their own decision on the issue," he said. "I feel they will continue to support Jackson as they have in the past."

The mayor said he and other city officials have given the bond issue information at civic clubs, senior citizens groups, and area organizations. Thursday he will be a guest on the "Talk of Cape" radio program on KZIM to answer voter's questions about the issue.

In 1988 Jackson voters passed a bond issue to expand the waste water treatment plant. The city has not asked for a bond issue since.

Sander said the city made a great attempt to get by on the revenues without further bond issues but needed improvements, some required by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are now needed to the water and sewer lines.

"Sometimes we have to ask for help," he said.