JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council held its regular meeting on October 13, 2025, addressing several significant infrastructure projects and approving multiple agreements during a lengthy work session and formal proceedings.
Emergency Room Negotiations Approved
In one of the evening’s most substantial decisions, the council voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Johnny L. Smith to enter negotiations with Jacksonville State University and Anniston Regional Medical Center for a freestanding emergency room on JSU’s campus. The city has committed up to $1.2 million toward equipment purchases for the facility.
Council members engaged in extensive discussion about the proposal, particularly after receiving a last-minute email from Riverview Regional Medical Center expressing interest in the project. After deliberation, the council decided to proceed with the current negotiations while keeping options open.
“We’re not contracting. I think you’re irrevocably binding yourself anyway,” said City Attorney Richard, noting that the authorization simply allows negotiations to proceed without committing the city to a final agreement.
The development would involve a contractor building and owning the facility, which would then be leased to RMC and potentially JSU for their infirmary services.
Fire Station Construction Moves Forward
The council discussed plans for a new fire station at JSU, with contractor SAGA presenting a negotiated price of $3,540,445 – down from an initial bid of $3,637,000. Fire Chief Keith Kadle explained that the 10,000-square-foot, four-bay station would strategically position equipment for better response times to the university and north Jacksonville.
Cost savings of approximately $96,000 were achieved through modifications including:
- Eliminating remote wireless thermostats in favor of wired systems
- Reducing fire line size from six inches to four inches
- Installing less expensive electrical fixtures while maintaining LED efficiency
- Changing exterior letter lighting from backlit to spotlight illumination
Mayor Smith outlined a funding plan utilizing fire tax reserves ($1 million), Alabama Trust Fund money ($1.5 million), and capital project CDs ($1 million), allowing the city to avoid borrowing for the project.
Storm Shelter Project Faces Budget Challenges
The Eastwood Storm Shelter project, in planning for nearly seven years, faces significant cost overruns. Originally estimated at $393,680, the lone bid came in at $710,000, which was negotiated down to $578,257. The city’s portion would increase from $98,420 to $282,996.
The council discussed rebidding the 800-square-foot facility, which would accommodate 110 people and include two restrooms. Council Member Terry Wilson advocated for rebidding to potentially attract more contractors, noting that a single bidder “is kind of too far wide open for me.”
Public Works Director Josh confirmed that only contractors with prior experience building severe-weather facilities could bid due to FEMA requirements, potentially limiting the pool of bidders.
Liquor Licenses Approved
The council approved two on-premises beer, wine, and liquor licenses:
- JAF Investments LLC, doing business as The Anchor at 5 Public Square East
- AZ Restaurant Group Jax Inc., operating Struts of Jacksonville at 500 Forney Avenue NW
Both approvals passed unanimously following brief public hearings with no opposition from residents.
Personnel and Contract Actions
The council approved several personnel actions, including:
- Employment of Aidan Tobias Doster as a laborer in the street department
- Resignation of Caitlin Pritchett, public safety communications officer
- Reclassification of Riley Woodruff to full-time public safety communications officer
Service agreements were approved for retirees Ray Hawthorne and Easton Parker, with Mayor Smith praising their continued contributions. “Ray does such a good job being a public relations guy,” Smith noted.
Equipment and Safety Purchases
The council authorized several significant purchases:
- $28,121.88 for fire department equipment service with Stryker, including ProCare maintenance for LifePak defibrillators, Lucas devices, and PowerLoad systems
- $20,487.20 for police forensic software with Cellebrite Inc.
- $49,985.50 for a LifePak 35 monitor defibrillator (sole source)
- $276,002.08 for six new police vehicles from McSweeney Auto Group
Community Concerns
Council Member Sherry Laster raised concerns about the Chief Ladiga Trail’s condition, citing cracks and root damage that could pose safety hazards. She noted the upcoming Zombie Trail Race scheduled for April 11, 2026, and suggested forming a committee to identify problem areas and pursue grants for repairs.
The council also discussed improving trail signage, particularly at road crossings where conflicts between vehicles and cyclists occur.
Other Actions
- Approved participation in Alabama’s 2026 Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday (February 20-22, 2026)
- Approved $28,121.88 in water, gas, and sewer board charge-off accounts
- Tabled discussion of additional city employee holidays for December 26, 2025, and January 2, 2026
- Approved board appointments, including Duff Wagoner to the Water Works, Gas & Sewer Board
The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming community events, including the Jacksonville Coalition Outreach Center coat drive and the library’s Halloween craft event on October 17.
All agenda items requiring votes passed unanimously, with the full council present: President Tony K. Taylor and members Terry Wilson, Andrew Green, Sherry Laster, and Marques Green.
