The Jackson City Council held a budget workshop on May 8, 2025, focusing on key allocations for the upcoming fiscal year. The discussions highlighted significant investments in infrastructure, particularly in water and sewer systems, as well as ongoing maintenance projects.

A major point of discussion was the allocation of $530,000 for various maintenance activities, including $320,000 earmarked for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) work to install decorative lighting in the health district. This project aims to enhance the area's aesthetics and safety in collaboration with local community development efforts.

The council also addressed the water fund, proposing a substantial increase in capital improvements to $15.7 million, a significant rise from the previous year's $4 million. This budget will support critical projects, including $2.4 million for the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor and $11 million for transmission main work, with much of the funding expected to come from grants.

In the sanitary sewer fund, the council plans to allocate $5.9 million, with $1.7 million directed towards the MLK Corridor and $1.1 million for the rehabilitation of the Monkey Run interceptor sewer, a historic structure built in 1907. The sewer's condition was recently assessed, revealing it to be in surprisingly good shape, requiring mainly sealing and grouting rather than complete replacement.

Parking infrastructure was also discussed, with a budget of $452,000 primarily for maintenance and enforcement, though the council acknowledged the need for more substantial improvements in the future.

The engineering administration budget is projected to decrease slightly due to retirements last year, which had previously inflated costs. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining flexibility in staffing by utilizing consultants for engineering projects.

Overall, the budget workshop underscored the city's commitment to enhancing infrastructure while managing costs effectively. The council will continue to refine these proposals as they prepare for the final budget approval in the coming months.