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Madeleine Leroux

Stories by Madeleine

Capital City has unique economy, lags in recovery

Jefferson City officials to explore new revenue sources

Jefferson City is projecting flat sales tax revenues in the next fiscal year, while the state and many other Missouri cities are seeing their numbers grow.

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What will 2014 look like for Jefferson City budget?

City administrator’s budget lays out cuts, new procedures

Jefferson City is facing another dismal fiscal year, and City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus said people likely will feel the effects in the more basic city services. Last week, Nickolaus revealed his draft of the 2014 budget, which is the first step in a months-long process to get to an approved budget.

Council to vote on consultant's contract

To help evaluate conference center proposals

The Jefferson City Council is expected to take action Monday to authorize a contract with Johnson Consulting for $28,750 to help evaluate proposals for a conference center.

City sees 12 percent drop in 2014 revenue

Jefferson City is facing declining revenues and the city administrator is projecting a 12 percent, or $5 million, drop in revenues for the next fiscal year.

Board delays liquor case until June 11

A request for a conditional use permit to operate a retail package liquor store in Jefferson City at 1931 W. Main St. has been continued after a citizen said the usual meeting time was inconvenient for many with an interest in the case.

Parks panel sees draft of 2014 budget

Projected drop of $300,000 in revenues

The Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Commission will begin going over a draft of the 2014 budget next week, and the earliest draft is projecting a nearly $300,000 drop in sales tax revenue.

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Who’s at the helm of MSP?

Former officials say lack of authority has handcuffed redevelopment panel for old prison site

A commission established for the sole purpose of overseeing the old Missouri State Penitentiary site may be lacking the authority it needs to accomplish its goals.

Commission OKs new location for local academy

Lighthouse Preparatory Academy may have found a new Jefferson City home. Zoning commissioners approved a plan for 216 El Mercado Plaza, where officials hope to convert a vacant building for the private school.

Administrator discusses vision for city

Jefferson City is looking at establishing a new city vision, laying out the goals and tasks to be completed in order to achieve that vision.

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Sticker campaign promotes possibilities

At least two currently vacant buildings have been decorated with stickers on the front windows, asking the community what they want to see move in.

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A passion for gardening

For Jake Seifert, it all started with an orchid.

Jefferson City official to release first draft of 2014 budget

Concerns raised about ‘false expectations’ of administrator’s draft

For the first time, City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus is expected to release his 2014 budget draft publicly when he submits it to Mayor Eric Struemph later this month.

Jefferson City police seek new SWAT vehicle

Municipal court minimum fines may be increased

The Jefferson City Police Department is hoping to make its first capital purchase from the latest sales tax installment: a $246,000 SWAT vehicle.

JC Council to discuss residency requirements, cooperative projects

The Jefferson City Council will consider a bill to alter the policy of department directors residing within city limits. A bill scheduled to be introduced Monday would extend the residency requirements to a 15-mile radius around Jefferson City for almost all department heads.

Funds for Jefferson City's Salute to America restored

A City Council-approved cut to the budget of Salute to America turned out to not be a cut at all. Though a $5,000 cut was approved, the event still is receiving the full $10,000, with half of it being transferred from a special events fund.

Employment discrimination case nears resolution

An employment discrimination case filed against Jefferson City is close to being resolved. In December, former transit employee Catrina Davis filed suit against Jefferson City and Richard Turner, transit division director, alleging she was terminated for being pregnant.

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City explores which transit system would serve capital best

Fixed vs. flex

As Jefferson City looks to continue its discussions on the future of its transit system, one city official has brought up the idea of switching the type of system the city operates to a flex-route system, rather than fixed routes.

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Missouri cities handle transit systems, funding differently

Who’s driving the bus?

Jefferson City is looking to re-evaluate its transit system and see if changes need to made. Several other Missouri cities operate transit systems using a variety of methods and funding mechanisms.

Jefferson City gears up for 2014 budget work

Jefferson City staff are well into planning for the 2014 fiscal year, with City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus expected to give his proposed budget to the mayor by May 15.

Bill to extend residency requirements moves to full council

An ordinance to extend the residency requirements of certain Jefferson City department directors soon will be reviewed by the City Council.

Weekend events focus on community service

Jefferson City residents will have a weekend full of service projects to choose from, all dedicated to improving the community.

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A new route for Jefferson City transit?

Council divided over hiring consultant; officials largely unaware of 7-year-old city study

Jefferson City officials differ on the scope of a proposal to hire a consultant on transit system issues, and most council members were unaware that a 2006 transit study produced several recommendations, many of which weren't implemented because of cost.

Jefferson City considers transit commission

As Jefferson City continues discussing its transit system’s future, one option being considered is the establishment of a transit commission.

11 city employees retiring early

Jefferson City municipal government will see more savings than anticipated through its early retirement program, with 11 city employees taking part.

Council restores transit funds

The Jefferson City Council has approved a resolution restoring $55,000 to the city’s transit division and avoiding a three-hour midday break in service.

How are the tax dollars being spent?

When it comes to economic development, the measure of success isn’t necessarily what some might think.

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JC sales tax revenue falls below lowered projections

After approving a series of budget cuts and lowering sales tax projections to deal with a $1.68 million budget shortfall, Jefferson City’s sales tax numbers still are not meeting projections.

Transit funds may be restored Monday

Councilman looks to offer resolution

The Jefferson City Council likely will take action Monday to restore funds to the city’s transit division and avoid a midday break in service.

Municipal court undergoing state audit

The Jefferson City municipal court is undergoing a state audit, something both the auditors and court personnel say simply is standard procedure.

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Opposition to transit cuts grows

Riders and supporters of Jefferson City’s transit system are continuing to speak out against a proposed cut in service. More than 25 people turned out for the city’s second public hearing on the proposed midday break.

New council to be sworn in Monday

Monday night will mark the start of a new Jefferson City Council, as three new members prepare to take their seats. First, the current council must act on several bills, including one to reduce the salary of council members and the mayor to $1 per year.

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Transit riders voice opposition to cuts

Jefferson City transit riders gathered Wednesday to voice their opposition to a proposed cut in bus service. Roughly 25 people turned out for the city’s first public hearing on a proposed midday break.

Jefferson City Parks fund balance ‘healthy’ after audit

The Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department has more than $6.5 million in reserve funds after the completion of the city’s audit for the last fiscal year.

Municipal court to drop night proceedings

Jefferson City’s municipal court will switch Wednesday night court proceedings to earlier in the day starting June 1, partly in an attempt to save money.

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JeffTran riders fight cuts

Public hearings set for this week on transit system

Planned cuts to Jefferson City’s transit system have riders and supporters mobilizing. A proposed break would stop all transit service, including Handi Wheels, from 11:20 a.m.-2:40 p.m. each day.

Transit cost-share discussed with school district

Jefferson City officials are discussing a possible cost-share agreement with the school district to continue after-school tripper routes on the city’s transit system.

Senator meets with Guard to talk sexual assault

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill met with officials with the Missouri National Guard on Wednesday to discuss the issues of sexual assault, suicide and behavioral health of military members.

Schulte, Hussey, Graham elected to JC council

Two newcomers - Ken Hussey and Carlos Graham - will join the Jefferson City Council, and incumbent Shawn Schulte will keep his seat.

Chamber presents annual report to council

Officials with the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce presented their annual report to the City Council on Monday, detailing efforts made, funds spent and hours worked on economic development.

Council to seek conference center ‘facilitator’

The Jefferson City Council will be seeking a facilitator to help advise them during the evaluation phase of the conference center selection.

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Parks escaped most Jefferson City budget cuts

With own funding source, city department was in unique position

Because of the Jefferson City parks sales tax, the Parks Department largely maintains its own operational budget, with very little general revenue. That situation meant it had little to fear in terms of cuts.

Jefferson City voters face elections in three wards Tuesday

Incumbents in the 2nd and 4th wards both face challenges to their seats on the Jefferson City Council Tuesday, while the 3rd Ward will choose between two challengers to fill an outgoing councilman’s seat.

Council to discuss pay of elected officials

The Jefferson City Council will discuss a proposal to nearly eliminate the pay for city elected officials, but whether the bill will gain momentum is questionable.

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Committee still discussing JCTV’s future

One week after the city opted not to terminate its contract with JCTV, council members are continuing discussions on what the future may hold for the station.

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Councilman considers offering bill to reduce elected officials' pay

One Jefferson City council member is considering whether to offer a bill to nearly eliminate the salary of the city’s elected officials.

Target date: July 1

Council approves tentative timeline for conference center selection

The Jefferson City Council is hoping to make a final decision on a proposed conference center by mid-summer.

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Why is Jefferson City's budget short?

E-mails note incorrect projections, falling sales tax revenues to blame

A series of city emails obtained by the News Tribune note incorrect projections and falling sales tax revenues are to blame for Jefferson City's $1.68 million shortfall in the current fiscal year budget.

City has dipped substantially into reserves

But fund balance still within normal ranges, city officials say

Jefferson City’s fund balance has shrunk substantially in the past few months, but its current balance is not out of the norm for previous years.

E-mail: Successor for city administrator was sought

Public works director was asked to step in as interim

Last month, Jefferson City Mayor Eric Struemph presented his evaluation of City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus’ job performance in closed session. The city’s public works director had been approached about replacing Nickolaus.

Incumbent, challenger face off for second time in JC 4th Ward

Jefferson City Ward 4 voters will make a choice in the April 2 general election between incumbent Bill Luebbert and challenger Carlos Graham.

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