JACKSON – In accordance with a request from the state, Jackson’s mayor and Township Council have expressed their support for the continued funding of the Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority (JTMUA) and Jackson Fire District No. 3.
During a meeting on Oct. 23, Township Clerk Ann Marie Eden told officials and members of the public the state requires municipal officials to annually assess authorities created by the municipality. She said in Jackson, that would be the JTMUA and Fire District No. 3.
Eden said the council members were required to discuss whether they believe both entities are continuing to serve the public’s interest by providing services while maintaining financially stability.
Council Vice President Robert Nixon said he believes both entities are beneficial to the community.
“The JTMUA is extraordinarily well managed and well run,” Nixon said. “I think the fire districts have done a good job at looking at ways to share services and to bring the benefits of their experience.”
Councilman Scott Martin said, “All of the fire districts serve the town well … Rarely do you ever see an increase requested in their budget proposal, they always look for shared services where they can.”
Martin said the JTMUA is a well run authority.
Councilwoman Ann Updegrave and Mayor Mike Reina concurred.
“For me it is a no brainer,” Reina said. “Those of you who know about being a fireman in this town, these are the guys who run out of restaurants … for community service, they do not get paid. I cannot profess any more accolades for them than what I am saying now. We run a very tight ship and I want to thank them.
“Combine that with the JTMUA and I can turn around and tell you with emergency management, during snowstorms, they make sure all your fire hydrants are clear. During times of severe weather they are making sure everybody has a clean passageway out,” Reina said.
Officials said the minutes of the council meeting indicating the officials’ discussion of the JTMUA and the fire district will be forwarded to the governor’s office.
In its mission statement, the JTMUA said, “Our goal is to provide the residents of Jackson with high quality, reliable and cost-effective water and waste water services. JTMUA is committed to operate and maintain our facilities safely and economically while protecting the public health and the environment. JTMUA strives to provide our customers with responsive service. We are sensitive to their needs and dedicated to their satisfaction.”
On its website, Jackson Fire District No. 3 said it “covers the most populated area in the northeast section of Jackson. Population was estimated in 2010 by the U.S. Census Bureau at 54,856 people. The district is governed by five members of the Board of Fire Commissioners who have, as in the case of municipalities, power, duty and function related to the prevention and extinguishment of fires and the regulation of fire hazards.”