Council Finalizes Tax Rate, Hears Updates

The Jackson City Council moved through a full agenda during its regular meeting on Thursday, November 20. 

With all members present, the Council unanimously approved the second reading and adoption of the 2025 property tax rates.  The ordinance, as approved, maintained rates unchanged from the previous year.  The real and personal property tax rates will remain at .2800 with a projected income of $286,777 from real property and $45,111 from tangible personal property. According to the calculations, new construction is expected to bring $7,095 to the city’s coffers.

Mayor Laura Thomas reminded the Council that the discounts and penalties will mirror the system used for the county tax structure, including a 2% discount if paid within 30 days, a full amount due within 60 days, a 5% penalty after 90 days, and a 21% penalty after 120 days.

The Council also discussed long-term concerns about delinquent city taxes and the need to strengthen ordinances to ensure effective collection.  Work is underway to coordinate with the county so that unpaid bills can be turned over in early spring for sale, and delinquents from several years can be placed on record at the County Clerk’s office.

Turner House Burn Delayed

The Council discussed the questions and concerns of several community residents who asked about the status of the Turner House on Highland Avenue.  The abandoned home, formerly owned by the Turner family, is slated for a controlled burn as a fire-training exercise.

Officials stated that the planned burn was delayed until asbestos testing was completed.  The timeframe for the burn has been further delayed while remediation bids are still being gathered to remove the hazardous materials. 

Jackson Fire Chief Chase Deaton told the council that, “realistically, the burn will occur after the first of the year.”  Deaton assured the Council that once the training exercise was scheduled, the city would issue public notice and coordinate with the State Fire Commission.

Lake Improvements Move Forward

Jarad Morgan, representing BART, a local nonprofit group focused on enhancing outdoor recreation, presented information about several of their ongoing efforts.  Morgan outlined ongoing work to improve Panbowl Lake access and habitat, based on recommendations from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Morgan detailed plans for new restrooms, a shelter, and a fish-cleaning station at the boat ramp on Lakeside.  He requested $2,000 in financial assistance from the City’s Community Funds to help the group match a state grant of $10,000 to complete the work. 

Members of the Breathitt Area Rivers and Trails group also discussed plans for the addition of fish habitat structures, the use of hybrid grass carp to control weeds, and longer-term ideas, including opportunities for paddleboarding and other improvements.

Council members voted to approve the city’s contribution to the project, noting widespread support for the lake as a “rare asset” located within city limits.

Public Safety Updates

The fire department reported that pump testing on all trucks was recently conducted, and one truck failed.  Deaton informed the Council that the old ladder truck cannot be certified and is currently out of service pending repair estimates. 

He briefly discussed the bid specifications for a new ladder truck, which are underway, with vendor responses expected after the holidays. 

Council members briefly discussed several future issues, including potential guardrail installation on Kings Ridge, the need for updated ordinances governing tax collection, and the possibility of annexing surveyed property along Highway 30 West once state boundary updates are completed.

Before adjourning the hour and 22-minute meeting, the Council thanked the city workers, local volunteers, and community organizations for their contributions to holiday activities and ongoing improvement efforts throughout the community.