City Council elects vice mayor, rejects homeless shelter delay

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson City Council met for their scheduled monthly meeting Tuesday morning.

(McMeen, Stovall, Wallace)

The first item on the agenda for new business was to elect a new vice mayor.

Councilman Russ McKelvey was the current vice mayor headed into the meeting. He spoke up and nominated Councilman Johnny Dodd.

(McKelvey, McMeen)

Councilman J.P. Stovall was also nominated for the position.

After the vote, Councilman Dodd was elected for vice mayor. Because of this, he had to resign as the treasurer, which was accepted by the rest of the council. They plan on filling that position in the next meeting.

(Dodd)

Also on the agenda was the consideration of a 30-day delay in the proceeding on the homeless shelter. The reasoning behind this consideration was related to the location of where it would be built.

There were quite a few meetings and conversations including local business owners that led to this consideration being brought before the council.

The council voted to reject the 30-day delay.

Councilman Frank McMeen responded to our questions that were sent out Monday, giving us some of his priorities for this proposed budget.

McMeen wants to maintain the $25 million dollars in the city’s fund balance, while working to put more money into it.

(McKelvey, McMeen)

McMeen says he wants to strengthen support for police to help recruit more officers. He also wants to move the homeless shelter to the capital budget, place more money into improving the streets, and get the state to take responsibility for the state roads in the City.

Councilman Richard Donnell has a main focus on roads. He says many of his constituents reach out to him regarding streets in their district: specifically Lexington Street, Lincoln Circle, and Hayes Avenue.

(Donnell)

“Disappointed that there was nothing in the budget for capital towards roads here in Jackson,” Donnell said. “Roads, in my opinion, in my district particularly, need to be repaved.”

There will need to be a special-called meeting for the City Council to gather to discuss the current budget situation.

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