Brenda Fischer

The committee discussed health insurance premium costs for the city and employees, reviewing options for single and family coverage and recommending the city continue paying the first five percent of the premium increase and splitting the remainder 50/50 with employees. Updates were provided on the ambulance budget, including a contribution from the county. The committee reviewed budget information for the indoor swimming pool and the senior center, recommending specific budget amounts for both. Funding requests from community organizations were discussed, including the Jackson Center for the Arts, the Jackson Cemetery Association, Fort Belmont, the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, and Huskies Softball. The committee recommended budgeting funds for the Jackson Center for the Arts and removing the request from Jackfield Softball.

The Finance Committee meeting included discussions and updates on several key financial matters. The committee reviewed a Compensation Study, focusing on proposed changes to employment steps, but took no action pending further review. An update was provided on Health Insurance Premium costs for 2026, projecting a 20 percent increase, with a recommendation to the City Council to split the premium increase with employees, similar to the previous year's arrangement. The Ambulance Department budget was also reviewed, with attention to personnel, salaries, overtime, staffing, revenues, fees, billing, and collections. No action was taken on the Ambulance Department budget, pending additional information.

The agenda includes the pledge of allegiance, roll call, and an open forum for public comments. Consent agenda items include accepting the resignation of the City Administrator, updating bank signature cards, approving training expenses, removing the City's Representative for Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), approving the Credit Sale and Council Ratification of the City's REC Energy Credits, and reviewing finance committee minutes and reports. Council discussion items cover approving an employment agreement for an Interim City Administrator, final pay application for a housing project, considering the termination of WMK Law Group engagement, reconsidering regular advisory board meetings, declaring a temporary hiring freeze for all City Departments, and establishing a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) 7(k) Work Period for Fire and EMS Personnel.

The committee members updated the City Office Accountant on the proceedings of the October 17th meeting, including discussions on the audit, assessing, animal control, and IT budgets. The committee reviewed the details of the City's proposed IT budget for 2026 and recommended setting it at $142,467. The Finance Committee members reviewed the Ambulance Department's budget numbers for the past year and the proposed requests for 2026. The Finance Committee members discussed recommending the City Council approve a resolution implementing a Citywide hiring and expenditure freeze for all City Departments.

The Jackson City Council convened to discuss several items, including an application for a One-Day Temporary Liquor License for the Jackson Center for the Arts. Employee compensation was evaluated, specifically addressing potential pay adjustments for a permanent City Hall office position. The council also discussed infrastructure improvements to the road leading to Fort Belmont and referred the matter to the Street Committee for planning and recommendations.