Backlash is brewing over plans to build a new public works building in Jackson.
Jackson Department of Public WorksCritics say the $4.6 million set aside for the project could be better spent.
City leaders say the current structure is not meeting the demands for supply and storage.
“Most of these are 12-to-14-foot ceilings,” said City Manager Patrick Burtch.
“They really need to be 24-foot ceilings. Our trucks are outside rusting all the time. DPW workers are out there in the public all the time and they need to have the best equipment and the safest equipment. We can't do that if everything is outside all the time.”
Jackson City Council approved a contract to build a new facility.
It’s a project Burtch says is long over-due.
“The showers aren't even used anymore,” Burtch explained.
“The locker-rooms are in such poor shape and we have DPW workers both water and sewer. They all work outside of that build we're trying to consolidate.”
The plans are rejected from some residents who the money needs to be spent in neighborhoods.
“I think it really needs to be invested in children,” said Jackson resident Tacarra Wilson.
“Community centers, better basketball courts, event centers for the kids. Something for kids not actually a building for workers.”
Construction on the project is expected to start in two weeks.
It will take 10 months to build.
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