Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville City Council approved a series of personnel actions, infrastructure projects, policy updates and administrative measures during its regular meeting on July 13 following earlier budget and work sessions.
Budget and Work Sessions
Prior to the regular meeting, council members held a budget work session to discuss funding requests from outside agencies as part of the city’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget process. Organizations participating in the discussion included Coosa Valley Youth Services, East Alabama Commission Paratransit, All Saints Interfaith Center of Concern and The Right Place (Matthew 25 Project).
During the subsequent work session, the council reviewed several items that would later appear on the regular meeting agenda. Topics included a presentation from The Pearl Club, discussion of payment related to the Eastwood Safe Room project, proposed changes to the city’s pay scale and exempt employee classifications, equipment purchases and city board appointments. The agenda also included plans for an executive session to discuss potential litigation and economic development matters.
Agenda Amended
Before approving the agenda, the council made several amendments, including revising effective dates for proposed pay scale and exempt employee changes, adding approval of a federal procurement policy, adding a new City Clerk/Treasurer job description and adding an employment item for a part-time Public Safety Communications Officer. The amended agenda was approved unanimously.
Patriotic Quilt Donation Recognized
The council presented a proclamation honoring Becky Newell for creating and donating a handcrafted patriotic quilt in recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The proclamation recognized her contribution as a lasting tribute celebrating American heritage and civic pride.
Ordinances Introduced
Council members conducted first readings of two ordinances without taking final action.
The first ordinance would establish registration requirements for certain vacant properties within the city.
The second ordinance would amend the city’s solid waste regulations by updating provisions addressing the accumulation of junk, weeds, garbage and trash on private property.
Infrastructure and Administrative Items Approved
The council unanimously approved several operational and infrastructure-related items.
Members accepted a bid report for the city’s planned tube-mounted screw pump system before approving a resolution rejecting all bids received for the project.
The council also approved replacing broken chlorine scales at Germania Springs, renewed participation agreements with the Municipal Workers Compensation Fund for both city employees and employees of the Water Works, Gas and Sewer Board, and adopted a federal procurement policy and procedures.
Council members also approved an $8,055 payment to Mark Burns Architecture for unfinished work associated with the Eastwood Safe Room project. According to city documents, the payment represents compensation for completed design work after the project was halted before construction moved forward.
Later in the meeting, the council approved a package of routine administrative items that included budget amendments, purchases exceeding $7,500 and disposition of surplus property.
Budget amendments included a $251.54 increase to the Parks and Recreation Department from a class action settlement, along with $104.25 in restitution and a $500 reimbursement to the Police Department from the Calhoun County Commission for School Resource Officer registration.
The council also approved purchases of $12,466.96 for Fire Department EMS tuition, books and supplies through Gadsden State Community College and $10,989 for replacement ballistic vests for the Police Department. Surplus property approved for disposal included several outdated library items.
Pay Structure and Job Classifications Updated
The council approved rescinding the city’s pay scale adopted in September 2025 and replacing it with updated employment pay ranges effective Aug. 1, 2026. The revised schedule establishes updated minimum and maximum salary ranges for positions throughout city government.
Council members also approved placing numerous leadership and supervisory positions into exempt status effective July 29, 2026, including the City Clerk, Court Clerk, Executive Assistant, Finance Manager/Treasurer, Fire Chief, Human Resources Director, Library Director, Parks and Recreation Superintendent, Planning and Building Director, Police Chief, Assistant Police Chief, Public Information Officer, Street and Sanitation Superintendent, Utility Office Supervisor and Water, Gas and Sewer Manager.
The council also approved a revised job description for the City Clerk/Treasurer position as part of the city’s administrative restructuring.
Personnel Actions
The council approved the employment of Chase Jackson Jennings as Utility Maintenance Assistant following the resignation of James Scorpenberry and approved Noah Michael Tidmore as a part-time Public Safety Communications Officer following the reclassification of Mackenzie Giles.
Council members also approved the promotion of Joseph Paul Hunt to Wastewater Operator III/Water Operator II effective July 15 following the resignation of Austin Goodwin.
In addition, the council accepted the resignations of Corey Henderson from the Street Department, effective June 23, and Joshua Calderon from the Police Department’s Investigations Division, effective July 6.
Resident Requests Action on Long-Standing Property Issues
During public comments, Jacksonville resident Jennifer Keller asked the council to address what she described as a long-standing nuisance property on 13th Avenue Northeast.
Keller told council members unmanaged bamboo from the neighboring property had spread onto surrounding properties for years despite repeated removal efforts. She also expressed concerns about abandoned, unlicensed vehicles on the property, saying standing water had created mosquito breeding areas that prevented her grandchildren from safely using her yard.
She requested the city begin formal nuisance abatement proceedings after years of unsuccessful voluntary efforts to resolve the issue.
City officials responded that the process would begin by confirming ownership of the property and providing the legally required notices before any formal enforcement action could proceed.
