The Jackson City Council met virtually on Tuesday, May 26th. Here’s a recap:

*   The 2020-2021 City Budget was approved by the City Council. With losses from tax revenue expected over the next year due to the COVID-19 crisis, an amendment was added to the budget that cuts $2.6 million from the budget, which includes 18 staff positions from various departments.  The cuts also include reductions to City programs and spending.
*   The council passed the first reading of an amendment of the City’s Clean Air Ordinance that prohibits the use of tobacco products in the City’s public parks and cemeteries. This is to reduce second-hand smoke exposure, reduce litter, and encourage healthy behavior. A second reading is required to finalize the amendment.
*   A new public park has been created. The council voted to create “Workers Memorial Park” using land donated to the City by Segue, Inc., a mental health agency that now occupies the former McCulloch Elementary School off MLK Drive. Land surrounding the former school building will make up the new park, which honors workers killed in workplace incidents.
*   A public hearing was held on the City’s proposal to use more than $300,000 in federal COVID-19 funds on foreclosure prevention, eviction protection and water shutoff prevention. The City’s plan for using these funds will now be reviewed by the federal government.
*   Special tax assessments were finalized for properties on S. MLK Drive and W. Franklin Street to partially pay for infrastructure improvement projects this summer.

A special City Council meeting, which will also be a virtual meeting, is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27 to interview candidates for the vacant Fifth Ward City Council seat.