City Council Starts Delinquent Tax Process, Accepts Land

The Jackson City Council met in regular session on Thursday, April 16, to start the delinquent tax process, approve a new housing director, and move forward with the donation of several properties.

With all Council members present, the city’s governing board approved a letter prepared by City Attorney Bruce Herald to be sent to all city taxpayers with delinquent accounts.

The letter is the first step in the city’s effort to collect more than $50,000 in estimated back taxes.

According to Herald and Mayor Thomas, the letter will be mailed to all those who owe city taxes, and a “warning” statement will be published to let delinquent payers know that their names will be published in subsequent weeks.

Mayor Thomas indicated that she hoped that the letter and notice would spur people to come in and pay what they owe to avoid the public listing of their debts.

The Council also approved the appointment of Britney Clemons as the new Housing Director for the Jackson Housing Authority.  The Council’s vote, although not required as Mayor Thomas noted, signaled their approval of the hire recommended by the Housing Authority Board.

Clemons will replace Shirley Snell, who announced her upcoming retirement after many years as Executive Director, replacing Janis Gambill.

The City Council also approved payment of closing costs and appraisals for several properties that the Hazard Community and Technical College Board of Directors is donating to the City of Jackson as possible housing sites.  The properties on Washington, Main, and Highland Avenues will be considered for housing or recreation/memorial development.  

Members of the Council gave consent to the amendment of the city’s personnel manual to include several new position grades in the fire department in an effort to strengthen the current staff and encourage qualified firefighters to “make a career at Jackson.”  The amended manual does not include the hiring of any new fire personnel, Mayor Thomas pointed out to the Council.

In other action, the body approved the minutes from the March meeting, the department reports, the treasurer’s report, and the bills after several questions during its two-hour-long meeting.