Jefferson leaders name priorities: Parks, recreation, libraries, public safety top list

Parks and recreation improvements, building out unused rooms in the civic center and expanding the library are among the priorities Jefferson leaders listed as future goals at a four-hour “retreat” Saturday morning.

Jim Dove of the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission led the discussion and asked the mayor and council members to list their top priorities for future planning. Those areas receiving the most votes were: Sidewalks in neighborhoods, parks/recreation improvements (update playgrounds, new fields, indoor walking facility), civic center improvements (build out unused rooms), new or expanded library (more parking, meeting space, computers), gateway signs and a public safety complex.

The council also discussed additional sources of additional revenue, with city manager John Ward pointing out that the Pendergrass Flea Market will bring in more revenue now that it has been classified as a “mall” by the state fire marshal’s office.

Another possible way of additional revenue suggested by Ward was providing planning and development services for the county. Ward said the county building inspector is retiring and the city can offer these services on an interim basis to bring in revenue. He said the fee could be based on an hourly rate and a county vehicle could be used.

For the full story, see the June 22 issue of The Jackson Herald.

Comments

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#1 concerned taxpayer on 06/23/11 at 04:26 PM [Reply]

more ways to waste money that we don't have. if rooms at civic center needed build-out, why did they not do that rather build a parking lot that has never been used.

#1.1 Taxpayer on 06/23/11 at 07:03 PM [Reply]

Waste money we don't have? I'm confused, has Jefferson been running a budget deficit? Parks, libraries, and public safety are quality of life items that we should be spending tax dollars on improving. We can't just have government stop spending money, that's not the solution. If you're concerned about how the money is being spent, get involved, but complaining about it on a newspapers website is the wrong way to go about it.

#2 Another Taxpayer on 06/23/11 at 07:27 PM [Reply]

Seriously? Indoor walking? Expanding the rarely-used Civic Ctr? We've managed so far w/o these draining projects- lower our taxes THEN we'll talk.

#2.1 Taxpayer on 06/24/11 at 05:29 AM [Reply]

Should we stop building roads? Providing fire and police protection? Leaf and limb pickup? Water and Sewer?

Where would you like the cuts to end? We the people, in order to form a more perfect UNION (see, unions aren't bad)....promote the general WELFARE (huh? welfare is okay too?)

Why not complain about billions in defense dolars WASTED on pointless wars that in the end have made us LESS safe?

Taxes are not inherently evil, give unto Caesar that which is Caesars and store up your treasures in heaven (not that I believe any of that drivel, but most of you proclaim to adhere to those principles - though I must admit, I don't see it evident in your daily lives).

#2.1.1 Concerned on 07/03/11 at 04:06 PM [Reply]

Yes ! please stop leaf and limb p/u. Total waste of taxpayer money. At least get it organized to 1-2 days so it will cost less.
Taxes are ridiculously high in Jefferson and many cuts should be made, starting w/the water co.

#3 taxes high as hell on 06/25/11 at 05:03 PM [Reply]

Let's get the downtown square finished and attract some restaurants and SOME form of revenue drawing businesses!

So many people in Jefferson and all the square has is Mike's and a Subway!

Why do I pay nearly 2k/yr in taxes again?

Hey on a related note, might be a drop or two of rain tonight so I better charge up my phone for *when* not if Jackson EMC's power service goes out.

#3.1 I like Mike's on 06/26/11 at 08:49 AM [Reply]

Thanks to whoever came up with the downtown "improvements", there is not nearly enough parking to support existing businesses. Mike's can now handle less than half of the parking in front of the restaurant.

From the business owner perspective, why would anyone want to invest in a city that can't even get sidewalks and curbs done reasonably?

#3.1.1 Pedestrian on 06/26/11 at 09:43 AM [Reply]

I like Mike's too, well actually I liked it more before he called his neighbor a "retard" but that's a whole 'nother story! And yes, his death was tragic and I have since supported the establishment.

Are there really fewer parking spaces? Not just directly in front of Mike's, but in general. We walked through all of the improvements during Freedom Fest last night and there seemed to be more spaces than before.

We enjoyed Fusion during it's brief stint, perhaps it was a little to "big city" for J-town. Subway? Ugh, I'd rather make a sandwich at home. Harveys? Meth and running a business don't mix.

I would like to open a business in the square and plan on talking to some of the current property owners about availability & prices. Somebody has to do something to get the economy going again and I can't make anyone do anything except for me.

#3.1.2 Tom Hays on 07/03/11 at 06:09 PM [Reply]

I like Mike's now days as well. To be honest, I am glad the parking was changed. It was almost impossible to back out of one of the front spots without getting hit because you could not see if anyone was coming until you were in the street.
I think the entire "new" square looks great and the monuments look fantastic.
I have seen this renovation in several other towns that I travel through during my working hours and I see the downtown areas growing again. It won't happen overnight, but a new business doesn't necessarily want to move into dilapidated areas.
Give it some time folks.

#4 taxpayers2 on 06/26/11 at 08:41 PM [Reply]

We need all the things listed in this article and more.
By the way downtown looks great this week!
Also, we need signs directing out of town guests to the stadium.

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Jefferson leaders name priorities: Parks, recreation, libraries, public ...

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