Jackson residents can look forward to lower electric bills in the new year.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen received the findings of an electric cost of service study at a public hearing Monday night. Once the findings are implemented in January, all electric customers in Jackson will see savings.

The new rate schedule will eliminate the 10 percent discount for early payment, with the reduction given to all customers. The average electric bill in Jackson is $102 for early payment and $113 for regular payment. Under the new system the average bill will be $99 for all customers. Late payment is subject to a penalty.

Commercial customers, which do not receive discounts, will also see decreases. The average small commercial customer's bill will go from $262 to $213; the average school or church's bill will go from $851 to $791; the average large commercial customer's bill will go from $5,079 to $4,793; and the average large industrial customer's bill will go from $27,202 to $24,357.

Alderman Mark Dambach said he was excited customers would be saving, especially the commercial customers.

"This is good news for businesses," he said. "They took a tremendous hit years ago when we eliminated their discount. This is their reward for being patient."

In other business, the board:

* Approved a bill proposing an ordinance regarding the protest of any tax, fee or other payment to the city.

* Approved a motion authorizing the closure of Stotler Way, between North Lacey Street and Braun Drive, from 6:30 to 10 p.m., Friday for a neighborhood block party.

* Approved a resolution of support of application for the rehabilitation of Jackson Villa and Jackson Senior Estates by Jackson Senior Villas LLC.

* Approved a bill proposing an ordinance authorizing a contractual agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission regarding the noise ordinance enforced signs.

* Approved a bill proposing an ordinance amending the crosswalks designated schedule -- schedule XVI, adding a designation on Parkview Street.

* Approved a motion granting city employees the day after Thanksgiving off.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

Pertinent Address:

101 Court Street, Jackson, MO