Remembering Lost Loved Ones, Delinquent Trash Bills, Equipment Repairs, and Opportunities

This past year has been one that has been particularly challenging for us within the Fiscal Court. We lost 2 wonderful employees by the way of cancer and have had several moments of grief that we have dealt with. Myself, the County Clerk and all of our fellow employees, are forever grateful for the time and dedication that Finance Officer, Amanda Holt and Deputy Clerk, Julia Vickers, put in for Jackson County. When you work with someone side by side on a daily basis, they become family to you. The impression they left on us and the citizens of Jackson County was one of positivity and top notch service as well as dependability. We miss them daily and pray that their loved ones are comforted during the holiday season. 
Something else that has become a challenge for the Fiscal Court is the county trash pickup service, particularly the billing side of services. We still have a lot of customers that are not paying and have fallen several months behind on payment. When we begin the new year, anyone that is 4 months behind will become inactive on weekly pickup until they can make arrangements to get caught up on their bill. If you need assistance with this please call 287-8375 and speak with our customer service representative. We don't want to stop anyones pickup but we can not pick it up for free. 
Another challenge we are facing is equipment. We have had several mechanical issues with our garbage trucks and will more than likely have to replace some of them in the very near future. We face the same issue with our mowing tractors. The amount of breakdowns with these tractors is becoming more and more frequent because of age as well as wear and tear. As you can imagine, the cost of replacing such equipment is very expensive. I don't know exactly how we can accomplish this but will have to address it in the very near future. 
On the positive side, we have some good opportunities ahead of us. We are working daily on trying to find a company that would be interested in the old Midsouth Electric property. We have been in contact with a site selection company that is working with us and the Cabinet for Economic Development in order to bring a substantial job provider onto this property. In order for Jackson County to grow, we need another large employer in operation. Not only is it good for citizens, it also brings more patrons in for local businesses. We have all the infrastructure in place as well as tax incentives, employee training programs and support from local, state and federal partners. Another factory would be a huge win for all of Jackson County and we are trying our hardest to make it happen. 
Have a Happy New Year!