“With our current court costs and structure, we’re where it’s a net loss of roughly $1.1 million. And so they were looking at recapturing roughly $800,000 of that $1.9 million that we’re losing,” Jackson Mayor Scott Conger said.
City Council members passed the first reading of Jackson’s budget Thursday morning.
City Recorder Nathan Reed explains the city’s budget to the council
Charlie Stone, 39 News
Jackson’s budget for fiscal year 2027 is one step closer to being passed. In Thursday’s meeting, the two topics most hotly debated were increasing vehicle registration fees and municipal court costs. Mayor Conger explains what members voted on.
“So, we’ll see a $25 increase when you go get your tags renewed after July 1st. And then if you are unfortunate enough to be in court, then your court costs will go from $25 to $100,” said Mayor Conger.
People in Jackson aren’t fond of seeing price increases, although the increased vehicle registration fees are used to keep Jackson’s roads in working order. People like Charles Randolph are willing to pay more to see roads improve.
“There are many streets here in the city that are just treacherous, you know? Plus, I ride a bike, so it’s even worse. So if those monies will contribute to the streets actually being repaired, then yeah, there would be some justification,” said Randolph.
The mayor and city council talk after passing the first reading of Jackson’s FY ’27 budget
Charlie Stone, 39 News
Some people aren’t as happy to see municipal court costs rise. Lorenzo Lampley expresses his concerns.
“Y’all want the money or you want the time? You can’t have both. Because if you’re going to lock me up, how could I pay you? How are you going to lock me up and still expect me to pay you? That don’t work like that,” said Lampley.
Both readings have passed, and are one step closer to being enacted.
The council will reconvene soon to have a second reading and maybe pass the city’s budget for next year.