Jackson Budget Committee invests millions towards police, other departments

JACKSON, Tenn. — From first responders, human resources, and city upgrades there was increase in budget for various departments in Jackson.

The budget committee agreed to increase the Jackson Police Department’s budget, which includes $1.2 million for new vehicles. Along with the increase in budget for JPD.

“We are trying to pay our police in an adequate way so that they don’t find another place to go and work. That we have a strong police force an adequate police force. We are down a good number of police officers so we’re trying to recruit,” said Frank McMeen, District Council 5.

The department will see a 75% increase in salaries and increase in administrative staff for the upcoming year as well.

“With a city like ours, that’s growing, the increased cost– cost increased, just as it has for individuals. It’s increased for our city and so we’re looking at how do we provide the services that are needed for the city,” said McMeen.

Along with first responders receiving an increase, the Carl Perkins Civic center can expect $1.5 million dollars for new risers.

For the overall total expense from this meeting the city is $1.9 million under expenses.

“We’re looking at how do we deal with a deficit in revenue and so we’re dealing with that as a committee and will be dealing with that as a council,” said McMeen.

The budget for road repair in the city is currently at $3 million dollars. As for now, the Mayor Scott Conger has a plan on which intersection and part of Jackson will see changes first.

“It’ll be all across the city and the mayor has a strategic plan for that paving,” said McMeen.

McMeen shares that taxpayers will not see an increase in property tax.

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