JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council addressed municipal operations, public safety, property acquisition, service agreements and personnel matters during its October 12, 2026, work session and regular council meeting.
The council approved several agreements, including a $4,500-per-month communications services contract, a property purchase agreement involving $1.15 million in city funding, and an ordinance establishing a $350 fee for certain traffic camera video requests.
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City Council Work Session
The council’s work session was scheduled for 5 p.m. and included acceptance of previous meeting minutes, the 2027 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday, committee reports, review of the regular meeting agenda and an opportunity for additional business.
Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday
Council members had the 2027 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday on their work session agenda.
The statewide tax holiday is scheduled for February 26–28, 2027, allowing qualifying severe weather preparedness supplies to be purchased without state sales tax. Local sales tax exemptions depend on whether individual municipalities and counties elect to participate.
Under the information provided to the council, local governments must adopt a resolution or ordinance by November 26, 2026, to participate and notify the Alabama Department of Revenue by January 26, 2027, to be listed as participating.
The provided work session agenda identifies the matter for discussion but does not establish whether Jacksonville elected to participate.
Committee Reports and Council Agenda Review
The work session provided opportunities for committee reports and review of items scheduled for the regular council meeting.
Those items included a proposed traffic camera video fee, a sludge and grit removal contract, funding for emergency medical equipment, municipal service agreements, property acquisition, personnel actions, budget adjustments and surplus equipment disposal.
The work session agenda concluded with an opportunity for other business and adjournment. The supplied recording documents the regular council meeting rather than a separate discussion of the work session, so additional committee remarks or work session decisions could not be independently established.
Regular City Council Meeting
The regular council meeting began with an invocation by Elder Keith Moore of First Presbyterian Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Taya Curry, a first-grade student at Kitty Stone Elementary School whose teacher is Ms. Crook.
The council approved its previous meeting minutes and adopted the agenda, including amendments adding a property purchase agreement, a new information technology position and a police promotion.
Extra Mile Day Proclamation
Council member James Newell read a proclamation signed by Mayor Mark Jones recognizing Sunday, November 1, 2026, as Extra Mile Day in Jacksonville.
The proclamation encourages residents to recognize individuals and organizations that contribute to the community through volunteerism, service and personal commitment.
The recognition is associated with Extra Mile America, an initiative encouraging community involvement and service.
Public Hearing on Finley Street Property
The council conducted a public hearing concerning nuisance abatement at 2110 Finley Street SW, a property identified in city documentation as belonging to Tiffanyella Johnson.
The city’s supporting documentation describes the residential structure as dangerous or unsafe and includes photographs showing extensive fire damage.
A notice dated June 23, 2026, directed that the structure be repaired or demolished within 30 business days, subject to applicable procedures.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing, and it was closed without additional discussion recorded.
Traffic Camera Video Request Fee Approved
The council approved Ordinance No. O-684-26, establishing a $350 fee for certain third-party requests for traffic camera video recordings maintained by the Jacksonville Police Department.
The ordinance authorizes the department to charge for locating, retrieving, reviewing, redacting and producing recordings associated with vehicle accidents or other incidents.
The fee applies to requests from individuals, businesses, insurance companies, attorneys and other nongovernmental entities.
Exemptions include official requests from law enforcement agencies, courts, prosecutors and governmental agencies, as well as requests required through subpoenas, court orders or other legal processes.
The ordinance also permits the police chief to deny requests involving active criminal investigations, protected victim information, juvenile records or other legally restricted material.
Revenue collected through the fees is designated for public safety purposes, including traffic camera infrastructure, digital evidence management, records operations and law enforcement services.
The ordinance received its first reading September 28, 2026, and was approved following its second reading October 12.
Sludge and Grit Removal Contract Awarded
The council approved Resolution No. R-2335-26, awarding Bid No. 26-12 for sludge and grit removal associated with Jacksonville’s wastewater operations to Republic Services.
The contract amount is $53,500.
The bid involves removal, transportation and disposal of sludge and grit materials. Utility Engineering Consultants LLC reviewed the submitted bids and recommended Republic Services.
The bid documents also identify Wise Environmental as another bidder, with higher unit pricing for the listed services.
Opioid Settlement Funding for Heart Monitor
The council approved Resolution No. R-2338-27, authorizing the expenditure of opioid litigation settlement proceeds to purchase a heart monitor for Jacksonville’s emergency medical services.
The equipment is intended to support emergency medical response and patient care.
The council approved the expenditure without recorded opposition.
City Approves $1.15 Million Property Purchase Agreement
The council approved an amended purchase and sale agreement involving property owned by Ricky D. Smith.
Under the agreement, the City of Jacksonville will purchase a 71.875% interest in the property for $1,150,000.
The agreement identifies an appraised total property value of $1,600,000 and provides for Smith to donate the remaining 28.125% interest, valued at $450,000, to the city as a charitable contribution.
The transaction includes $1,000 in earnest money, a 90-day due diligence period and closing provisions outlined in the agreement. The agreement also references a $1,150,000 broker commission threshold, with a broker commission of 6% of the purchase price payable by the seller.
The city will be responsible for specified transaction expenses, including surveying, title-related costs and certain closing expenses.
The council authorized Mayor Mark Jones to sign the amended agreement under Resolution No. R-2336-27.
Communications and Marketing Agreement with Signum LLC
The council approved a service agreement with Signum LLC, a communications and marketing company represented in the agreement by President and CEO Jaxon Phillips.
The agreement provides for a monthly payment of $4,500, equivalent to $54,000 annually if services continue for 12 months.
The agreement is scheduled to take effect November 1, 2026, and covers communications, branding and public relations services for the city.
Services include communications planning, content development, social media management, media relations, photography and video production.
The agreement provides for up to five hours of on-site photography each month, three short-form videos monthly and one monthly city leadership update video.
Additional services are subject to separate charges, including:
Photography: $150 per hour.
Gimbal video production: $275 per hour.
Drone videography: $300 per hour.
Interview video production: $400 per hour.
Graphic design beyond 10 graphics per month: $50 per graphic.
Video editing beyond 60 seconds: $100 per hour.
The contract also includes provisions governing confidentiality, ownership of materials, account access and termination. Either party may terminate the agreement without cause with 30 days’ written notice, subject to its terms.
Traffic Enforcement Agreement Approved
The council authorized Mayor Mark Jones to sign a traffic enforcement agreement with the East Central Alabama Highway Safety Office.
The agreement covers the fiscal period from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
The action allows Jacksonville to participate in traffic enforcement activities under the agreement.
Public Safety Surveillance Agreement with Alabama Power
The council approved a master contract for governmental public safety surveillance services with Alabama Power Company.
The agreement concerns surveillance-related services for municipal public safety operations.
The council authorized the mayor to execute the contract.
Service Agreements with Ray Hawthrone and Easton Parker
The council separately approved service agreements with Ray Hawthrone and Easton Parker.
Both agreements were authorized without recorded opposition.
Municipal Job Description and Pay Scale Updates
The council approved updates to job descriptions across the city’s General Fund departments and the Water Works, Gas and Sewer Board.
The revisions are intended to align municipal job descriptions with previously approved initial pay ranges for employment positions.
The action concerns classification and pay scale documentation rather than a separately announced across-the-board salary increase.
Police Department Hiring and Information Technology Position
The council approved the employment of three individuals, including two police officers and a new information technology specialist.
Jaylon Malik Lewis was approved for employment as a police officer following the resignation of Micah Craft.
Eric Scott Bridges was approved for employment as a police officer following the resignation of Eion Hammonds.
Both police appointments are contingent upon compliance with Ordinance No. 273.
Conner Heath Lipscomb was approved for employment as an IT Systems Specialist, effective October 28, 2026, subject to compliance with Ordinance No. 273. The position is newly created.
Police Corporal Promotion
The council approved the promotion of Aaron Blake Shelnutt to police corporal, effective October 14, 2026.
The promotion follows the promotion of Joshua Shears.
Fire Department Personnel Reclassifications
The council approved personnel reclassifications involving two members of the Jacksonville Fire Department.
Porter A. Stokes was reclassified as a Firefighter/EMT, while Caden D. Shew was reclassified as a Firefighter/Paramedic.
The printed council agenda lists October 15, 2026, as the effective date for both reclassifications, although the date was read as October 14 during the meeting.
Four Employee Resignations Accepted
The council accepted four municipal employee resignations:
Lukas Crawford, Utility Maintenance Assistant, effective October 8, 2026.
Michael Harrison, Police Officer, effective October 1, 2026.
Marquise Watkins, Police Officer, effective September 20, 2026.
Joseph Daniel Champion, Firefighter/EMT, effective October 15, 2026.
The resignations were approved as part of the council’s personnel business.
Budget Amendment Approved
The council approved a budget amendment increasing a police department account by $73.18 for restitution.
The amendment was approved as part of the consolidated administrative items.
Surplus Municipal Property Designated for Disposal
The council approved the disposal of surplus municipal equipment from the Fire Department and Parks and Recreation Department.
The Fire Department’s surplus item was a floor buffer.
Parks and Recreation equipment designated for disposal included an Epson receipt printer, wooden cabinet, Canon copier/printer, several rolling chairs, a VCR, ice maker, nacho machine, concession registers, Dell computers and monitors, and additional printer equipment.
The listed items were designated for scrap.
Public Comments
The council provided opportunities for public comments concerning agenda items and general municipal matters.
No individuals came forward to address the council during either public comment period.
Mayor Recognizes Emergency Responders and Community Support
Mayor Mark Jones recognized the Jacksonville Fire Department for its service to residents and expressed appreciation for municipal employees involved in public safety and emergency response.
Jones also thanked those attending the meeting for wearing pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The mayor discussed Jacksonville State University’s upcoming football game against Florida International University, scheduled for October 13 at 7 p.m. on ESPNU, and encouraged community attendance.
He also spoke about the importance of resilience, supporting residents facing adversity and the role of community members in helping one another.
Sue Campo Recognized for Athletic Achievements
During council remarks, Sue Campo was recognized for her achievements in competitive senior athletics.
According to the remarks, Campo recently earned two additional gold medals in doubles dominoes and has accumulated 40 gold, 15 silver and six bronze medals, totaling 61 medals over 11 years of competition.
Her participation in basketball free-throw competitions was also recognized.
A suggestion was made to consider formally honoring Campo at a future council meeting.
Jacksonville State Fraternity Philanthropy Efforts
Council remarks also highlighted a Jacksonville State University fraternity’s upcoming philanthropy activities.
The initiative, identified as Rise and Restore, will support the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization focused on ending sexual violence and supporting survivors.
Local businesses and organizations were encouraged to consider sponsorship opportunities, including contributions of $100.
Jacksonville High School Athletics Recognized
Council remarks included recognition of Jacksonville High School students and the football team for their conduct, sportsmanship and representation of the community.
The remarks emphasized continued community support for student-athletes and the school system.
Breast Cancer Awareness Bicycle Ride Announced
An upcoming bicycle ride supporting breast cancer awareness was announced during council remarks.
The event is scheduled for October 24, 2026, at 9 a.m. on the Chief Ladiga Trail.
The ride is being organized with involvement from Amy Angel and will benefit the Venetia Foundation in Piedmont, which provides care packages for cancer patients.
The event marks the second year of the initiative, and participants were encouraged to wear pink.
Council President Shares Personal Experience with Fire Department Response
Council President Terry Wilson shared his family’s experience with a recent house fire involving his daughter’s home.
Wilson credited the Jacksonville Fire Department with responding within approximately four minutes and preventing the complete loss of the structure.
He also recognized the Police Department’s assistance with traffic management during the incident.
Wilson expressed appreciation for the emergency responders and their work on behalf of Jacksonville residents.
Meeting Adjourned
Following the mayor’s report, council remarks and an opportunity for additional business, the council voted to adjourn.
The regular meeting concluded without additional public comments or recorded opposition to the final motion.
