City of Jackson host January city council meeting

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - In Jackson, the city council held its first meeting of the new year. In the meeting, they discussed several topics including electing a new council member, funds for the animal care center, a financial empowerment grant, and much more.

“It feels amazing. We are moving forward,” said Tara Skinner, a newly elected city council member.

The city of Jackson elected Tara Skinner for the District Four City Council Seat previously occupied by the late Harvey Buchanan.

“I’m happy to have Ms. Skinner on. I’ve known Ms. Skinner for a while. The people of the district have some great representation. You know Councilman Buchanan's shoes are some big shoes to fill,” said Mayor Scott Conger, Jackson.

Skinner is a realtor, and she says her first plan of action is to provide more affordable housing.

The council also discussed a financial empowerment grant.

“We’ve been working on a financial empowerment center. We are partnering with United Way, which will provide a free financial council. This template has been used in other cities. It shows to reduce debt, increase savings, and get people financially empowered,” said Mayor Conger.

The city talked about the industrial development land acquisition.

“So, we had options on this land. We had to close on this land to group the land and get it onto one parcel. Then we can turn around and sell that property to Georgia Pacific so they can start making their investment,” said Mayor Conger.

The mayor also talked about how some of the funds will be allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act.

“Some of our servers are very dangerously close to not having adequate backup space so that is one of the first things we need to do. There’s going to be PPE equipment for our fire department. Other pressing needs, we need body cameras for our police department,” said Major Conger

The council also discussed the Animal Care Center and adding funds for a full-time position at the facility.

The next city council meeting will be Tuesday, February 1st at 9 a.m. at City Hall.