By Staff
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Monty Jackson serves Meridian as the city's new Public Works director. Jackson, also the city engineer, was named to the post two weeks ago by Mayor John Robert Smith. Photo by PaulaMerritt / The Meridian Star
By Fredie Carmichael/staff writer
Feb. 4, 2002
Dick Dixon sat in a meeting at Greenville City Hall more than 20 years ago and saw Monty Jackson mastermind a plan that saved money by making garbage pickup more efficient.
The plan used an automated system for trash pickup that required one person to man each city garbage truck reducing the number of workers needed from 40 to eight.
Dixon moved to Meridian in 1983 to work at Engineering Plus, never knowing if he would ever again see the man who worked as his assistant engineer.
Meridian lands Jackson
After a stint as public works director in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., for 13 years, Jackson found his way to Meridian in June 1999 when he became the city engineer.
Two weeks ago, Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith promoted Jackson to the city Public Works director. He also will continue to serve as the city engineer.
Among other things, the Public Works director will oversee the city's water and sewer system and be responsible for maintaining city streets.
Jackson said he considers himself a laid-back leader who listens to all the facts before moving forward with a project.
Jason Gault, Meridian's assistant engineer, said he couldn't have asked for a better boss than Jackson.
Jackson draws on experience
Jackson smiled when he remembered the automated garbage system in Greenville. He said he see himself using his strong management skills when working on projects with Gault and others in Meridian just like Dixon did in Greenville.
Dixon said he knew after working with Jackson for five years "that he would make an excellent city engineer if ever given the chance, and he has. I think he'll do just as good a job in public works."
JUST THE FACTS
Name: Monty Jackson
Age: 53
Occupation: Meridian Public Works director and city engineer.
Wife: Dollye
Children: Mac Jackson, 27; David Jackson, 22; and Melissa Jackson, 21.