Jackson's goals for 2016

As we begin 2016, I would like to review some of the key goals of the City of Jackson.

The goals center around three areas: road projects, infrastructure improvement plans and financial planning.

The Missouri Department of Transportation's major project will be the improvements to the Main and Hope intersection with the building of a roundabout. The construction will begin in May and is scheduled to be completed in October/November. The roundabout is planned to improve the traffic flow through our uptown area at this busy intersection. This construction will take everyone's patience as this project requires road closures since the intersection will be completely reconstructed including roadway elevations.

The second MODOT project will be the improvement of the Hope Street and Jackson Blvd. railroad crossing. This intersection has been in need of improvement for some time. Included will be the complete replacement of the railroad crossing infrastructure and rails. Plans are to partially close the intersection for a Saturday night and Sunday morning in April to complete the project. Afterward, we should experience a much smoother ride.

The infrastructure improvements area will include the city contracting with consultants to develop future plans for the wastewater system capacity expansion. The expansion and improvement to our present wastewater system is imperative, so we will be able to provide for the projected housing and business growth in the coming years. We will develop a software system upgrade plan to handle our future IT system needs. The water system improvement projects that were approved by the voters last year will begin as well.

Financially, Jackson has the challenge of ensuring that our revenue growth continues. This is necessary so we have the financial resources to ensure our citizens have the quality of services they deserve.

To improve our future revenue growth, a retail growth initiative will be started in cooperation with the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. The goal will be to assist our present businesses to expand and to bring new retail businesses to Jackson. This initiative will take time to develop relationships and then projects. I believe it will do much to improve the future sales tax revenue for the city. The effort will cover all areas of the city, including the uptown revitalization area. I will expand on this plan in future articles.

Also, to support future job growth the Jackson Industrial Development Company will complete a spec building. This will provide an opportunity for a manufacturing company to quickly complete and move into a new facility in Jackson.

The voters will be asked to consider implementing the use tax and approve the continuation of the motor vehicle sales tax for purchases made out of the state of Missouri. This approval will provide the 2 percent present sales tax on purchases made out of state by our businesses and citizens. It will do much to level the playing field for our local businesses and provide revenue based on our present 2 percent sales tax level. I believe this a fair and equitable proposition that will fund the important public safety department's needs.

Additionally, the city will explore the options to financially fund the proposed new police station. This facility will provide the needed space and quality expansion for the police and fire departments for the next few decades.

Revenue growth and services growth must go hand in hand to assure a solid financial position. The city will continue to keep this as our foremost goal.

I am personally excited about 2016. I am looking forward to working with our board of aldermen, city staff and the regional leadership. Our city of 15,000 is well positioned to take advantage of our opportunities and meet the challenges growth brings. Our strong community spirit makes this possible.

Dwain Hahs serves as mayor of the city of Jackson. He can be reached at mayorhahs@jacksonmo.org.