Delivering his state of the city address virtually, Jackson Mayor Scott Conger said he did not want to discuss the difficult times – but those things that could be celebrated.

“We ended fiscal year 2020 underbudget by $4.6 million and we added $2.75 million to our general fund,” Conger said, “That’s more than five times that was added in fiscal year 2019.

“We also reduced our long term debt by over $11 million.”

Conger said during the pandemic, the city had to make some difficult decisions on finance.

“We had to look at some efficiencies and make some cuts,” Conger said, “All of our department heads took a five percent salary reduction.”

Conger took a 15% salary reduction.

Conger applauded the efforts of the Jackson Fire Department and the Jackson Police Department.

The JFD secured the replacement of seven pieces of apparatus – which includes fire trucks and aerial vehicles.

Conger said goals include the purchase of 31 new patrol cars for the JPD.

Conger highlighted the demolition of 20 additional dilapidated houses in a blight elimination project and selling 16 vacant lots maintained by the city.

He has a goal of continuing the same project for calendar 2021.

“… demolish 20 more (blighted) properties, enter into a clear and concise solid waste contract, implement a local municipal empowerment plan, begin a comprehensive storm water infrastructure evaluation – and make a plan on how to make repairs,” Conger said.