JACKSON CITY COMMENTARY; JACKSON HOSTS ANNUAL FIREFIGHTERS' MEETING

The 22nd annual Cape County Firefighter's Association Regional Fire School was held recently in Jackson. This two-day annual school keyed on auto rescue, how to lower ISO ratings, vehicle firefighting and fire streams and hose practices. Over 160 firefighters from all over southern Missouri attended the school. Jackson is very proud to host this annual fire school which is the largest in the area. Many of our local Jackson firefighters attended this training. With the addition of a new fire engine, additional personnel, and advanced training our fire department is leading the way toward a safer City.

As Jackson continues to grow, so do our local schools. We welcome the expansions that have taken place in the Jackson R-2 public system, the expansion presently underway at the Lutheran school and the planned expansion in the Catholic school in Jackson. The quality of our local Schools reflects a progressive attitude in the community. We can be proud that all of our local schools in Jackson are growing with Jackson.

It is 2000 budget time at City Hall. We are in the process of finalizing next years budget which when all is said and done will be somewhat over 13 million dollars. This budget as always will be balanced to our available incomes. The city remains in very sound financial condition and we intend to keep it that way in the future.

A recent informal meeting concerning the proposed Community Center building was held at the council chambers. Council members, R-2 School Board members and Committee Chairman Dale Rauh were all in attendance. The discussion centered around what future plans the school may have and how those plans may effect a Community Center project. Ideas were exchanged and Chairman Rauh will now take this information back to the full committee for their consideration. If a Community Center building is proposed to the public sometime in the future we want to be as sure as we can that a practical, functional, user friendly building is proposed that could be utilized by as many citizens as possible. This process of exploring the feasibility of a community building is taking quite a bit of time but it is better to explore all options and do it right than to be in a hurry.

The holiday season is upon us and I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

As we start a new century I would remind everyone that the Council meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Our meetings are all open to the public and we welcome your ideas and suggestions on how we can make Jackson a better place to work, live and raise a family. I thank you for support in the past and look forward to working with you in what promises to be a very bright future for Jackson.

Paul SanderMayor of Jackson