We need a City Hall, a Fire Station, improved Streets, better Water/Sewer, new Street Signs, Park maintenance, and the list goes on and on.
But, we’ve been kicking the can down the road to the “next council” for years. And it’s time to stop.
Last month, Aldermen chose to tell the Fire Department to go to JEDCO to get funding for a new station. JEDCO said “There’s a grant, go get it.” So, 20 years and counting, and no new station.
JEDCO can fund a station – more so than the sewer projects they’re doing now – with the sales tax money we gave them.
Citizens have already paid for this station, so stop trying to pass the buck to the County, or to a nebulous “grant” that’s available somewhere.
Are there better uses for JEDCO funds? Sure. But they’re not being used that way and local small businesses have given up asking for help, because they can’t create the 10 odd full time jobs required for that funding. Big business is great, but small business is what keeps Jefferson running.
And a Fire Station keeps us safe by keeping our equipment in working order.
The funds are there. Use them.