Jackson mayor urges using American Rescue Plan funds for sewer, gas repairs

Mayor James M. Norsworthy III told the Town of Jackson Board of Trustees on July 12 that he would like any funds the town receives from the federal American Rescue Plan to be used for town‑owned infrastructure, specifically renovating the sewer system and continuing improvements to the municipal gas system.

Norsworthy said the gas department has reduced leakage from about 30% last year to roughly 17% this year and suggested using federal relief dollars to keep improving the system. He said the town is uncertain how much it will receive or when the funds will arrive. "We don't yet know what we will receive as a town and when," the mayor stated during the meeting.

The recommendation came amid routine board business. The board approved the meeting agenda on a motion by Trustee Rafe Stewart, approved the June 2020 minutes on a motion by Trustee David Guillory, and approved payment of the town's bills after a report from Trustee Rafe Stewart. All motions were seconded and passed unanimously, with Trustees Stewart, Havard, Free and Guillory recorded as present; Trustee Michael Harrell was absent.

The mayor said the presented Budget versus Actual report was satisfactory and required no action. He also said the Annual Town of Jackson audit report for the budget year Oct. 1, 2019–Sept. 30, 2020, will be ready for the board's August 2021 meeting.

The board discussed the town's mobile home ordinance and agreed it may need minor changes. The mayor and trustees scheduled working meetings to review the ordinance on July 14 and July 21 at 5:00 p.m.

The board noted that Code Enforcement Officer Cary Quiet has resigned; the mayor and trustees commended Quiet for his dedication and service. In the police report, Chief of Police Fred Allen reported 14 citations, four arrests and one homicide; he presented the report in open meeting.

Maintenance Supervisor Matt Leggett told the board the maintenance department is closing out last year’s grant funds and had no new items to report.

Trustee Don Havard moved to adjourn; Trustee William Free seconded and the motion passed. The minutes were later signed by Secretary‑Treasurer Lanna M. Matthews and Mayor James M. Norsworthy III.

What happens next: the board will review the mobile home ordinance in scheduled July working meetings; the town expects the audit report at the August board meeting. The mayor and trustees did not take any formal action at this meeting to allocate American Rescue Plan funds.