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Auditor says Jackson in good financial condition According to the city's latest audit report, presented during the Tuesday, April 22 city council meeting, Jackson is in good financial condition. Walter McKean of McKean & Associates, gave a brief overview of the report to the council. As of Sept. 30, 2007, the city had $15 million in net assets. He went on to explain that the report showed assets totaling $31 million. The $15 million figure was reached after subtracting the city's $16 million in liabilities. An income of $5.5 million was reported for the year, with more than $3.5 million in expenditures. Health fair a success During the meeting Mayor Richard Long and councilmen Paul South and Eldridge Jackson Jr. commented on Tuesday's health fair hosted by the Jackson Nutrition Center. South said a total of 152 people attended and enjoyed entertainment, receiving valuable health-related information and a hamburger lunch. He pointed out that although the health fair was hosted by the Jackson Nutrition Center, it was for people of all ages, not just senior citizens. Mayor Long thanked the nutrition center staff and South for coordinating the event. He said the health tests, such as blood pressure and blood sugar checks were well worth the time it took to attend the event. Councilman Jackson said although he arrived late for the health fair, he was amazed by the number of people who turned out. City cleanup praised Jackson went on to talk about the city-wide cleanup conducted Saturday, April 19. "I want to thank all those who participated with the cleanup," he said. "There's also a lot of cleanup ongoing in District 1, with a lot left to do." Long thanked the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the event. CSI wraps up Councilman Eddie Huggins reported that the Continuous School Improvement program wrapped up for the 2007-08 school year with a party for the participants. He said blow-up playground equipment was provided by Trisha's Party Rentals and pizza was also provided for the children. Huggins said a number of teachers continue to praise the success of the CSI program, saying they have seen marked improvements in many of the participating student's test scores. "Some teachers told me that there were students that would have failed if not for this project," he added. "I thank the council for its continuing support of the program." Police chief's report During his report to the council, Police Chief Charles Burge said he had applied for a grant through the federal Bulletproof Vests program. He said if awarded, the grant would pay 70 percent of the costs of all bulletproof vests purchased by the department for the next two years. Burge also reported that the department will participate in a statewide traffic blitz May 19- June 2. He said child restraints and seat belt use will be the focus of the effort. Warning siren installed Fire Chief Neal Bradley said the new warning siren had been installed near Jackson Academy, increasing the number of sirens to four. He said the sirens are engaged when the National Weather Service issues tornado warnings for the area. Other business: *Several council members praised the appearance of the Little League fields during opening day of the season, April 12. *Mayor Long encouraged council members to attend a meeting with Bradley Byrne, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, April 29, 8:15 a.m., at the Jackson campus of Alabama Community College. *Councilman Robert Marks reminded citizens that Jackson's Relay For Life event will be this Friday, April 25 at New Era Cap Company. *Mayor Long was approved as the voting delegate for the Alabama League of Municipalities convention in Birmingham next week. Councilmen Marks and Jackson were approved as alternates. *Asphalt Services Inc. was approved to complete the downtown Ice Tea project in the amount of $454,530. *Bruce Wilson was approved to serve as city attorney to fill out the balance of former city attorney Mac McCorquodale, who asked to be relieved from his contract due to an overwhelming case load in his private practice. *A resolution to participate in the tax holiday, August 1-3, for the beginning of the 2008-09 school year was approved. *A motion to share the water board's expense in running water and sewer to new businesses locating on Highway 43 North was approved. *Grady Bedwell was reappointed to serve on the Clarke County Industrial Development Board representing the Jackson area. *Linda Smith of Genesis Inc. thanked the council for support of the organization during its 27 years of existence. Genesis ceased operation as of April 7. Some of the annual events sponsored by the organization included the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and Culture Fest. Mayor Long and the council members all expressed their regret at the ending of the organization's operation.
*A public hearing to obtain citizens' input on housing, community and economic development needs will be May 1, 5 p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church. For information call 246-2461.
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