Jefferson City Council
Jefferson City Council

The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday night in regular session.

The Council approved annual appropriations for three development agreements for tax increment financing rebate payments to be made to the developers. One was for Lincoln Ridge Estates for $43,000. Another was for Cobblestone Hotel and Suites for the Jefferson Hotel Group for $100,000. The last agreement was for Michael and Miranda Wahl for the Wahl/McAtee Tire and Service facility of $18,600.

The Council then set November 27th at 5:30pm as the public hearing date to amend the Jefferson Urban Renewal Plan to allow the $150,000 improvement incentive to be used on the entire Urban Renewal Area and not just on downtown area buildings. Additionally, the Council approved the appointment of David Shrunk to the volunteer fire department.

Finally, the Council heard a staff retention and incentive presentation from the police department. Police Chief Mark Clouse told the Council that his department may be facing up to three open officer positions by the first of next year and it is difficult for them to hire qualified candidates due to lower starting wages and not having as many things to do as bigger communities. He proposed a student loan repayment program of $200 per month for at least the initial four-year contract for a new officer, as well as a $2,000 hiring bonus. He also proposed increasing the base salary for officers by $5,000 to be more competitive with other surrounding agencies. The Council took no action following the presentation.