Town Approves Budget

The Town of Jackson this week approved the Fiscal Year 2013 budget totaling approximately $14.2-million following a public hearing Tuesday night.  That figure, council explained, assumes sales tax related revenue will increase by 3% through this year.  Mayor Mark Barron says the council had to carefully balance the needs of the town with the wants of its constituents.  Barron says there are the standard town services including public works, streets, sidewalks, police and fire protection, and administration, but there is also there are health and human services which the town assists in funding through sales and use taxes. However, Barron quickly credits the non-profit organizations which raise money and provide services in these areas which then do not come out of the town’s general fund.  Barron says ultimately, the budget presents a plan for distribution of the town’s financial resources in such a way that it covers basic services while supporting economic sustainability, environmental stewardship, and maintaining the unique character of the community.