Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville City Council met Monday, October 26, 2026, for its regularly scheduled work session and council meeting, addressing infrastructure improvements, public safety equipment, economic development incentives, personnel changes, recreational opportunities and city property.
The council also approved funding for police vehicles and a street sweeper, authorized a tax abatement for Bear & Son, Inc., and approved several promotions and new hires across city departments.
The work session began at 4:30 p.m., followed by the regular council meeting at 6 p.m. at Jacksonville City Hall.
Work Session Discussions
The council’s work session agenda included several infrastructure, recreational and property-related matters. The work session agenda identifies the topics scheduled for discussion, although the supplied recording documents the regular meeting rather than the earlier work session. Consequently, the following matters are identified as work session agenda items without attributing specific statements or outcomes that were not documented.
Kitty Stone Service Road
The council scheduled discussion of Jacksonville Public Works Project No. 26-155, involving the Kitty Stone Service Road, with Stanley Carr as the presenter.
The agenda packet includes a proposed agreement with the Calhoun County Highway Department concerning improvements to the roadway, also identified as Kittystone Road in the county estimates.
The county’s project estimate lists a total cost of $115,487.06, including $106,559.10 in contract work and $8,927.96 in county work.
The proposed agreement provides for the City of Jacksonville, Calhoun County Commission and Calhoun County Board of Education to share the project cost equally, with each responsible for one-third of the total.
The proposed arrangement also addresses liability and responsibilities associated with the work. The provided regular meeting recording does not document a final vote on the road project.
Train for Parks and Recreation
A proposed train for Jacksonville’s Parks and Recreation Department was included on the work session agenda, with Janis Burns listed for the discussion.
The agenda does not specify the proposed train’s purchase price, intended location, operating arrangements or funding source. No final decision on the proposal is documented in the regular meeting recording.
Council Committee Priorities and Goals
The council scheduled a discussion of priorities and goals established by its committees. The work session agenda did not identify specific proposals, deadlines or funding commitments associated with the committee priorities.
Bear & Son, Inc. Tax Abatement
The council scheduled discussion of a tax abatement request involving Bear & Son, Inc., a Jacksonville manufacturer.
The supporting documents describe a proposed $422,878 capital investment involving a major addition to an existing facility.
The application requests an abatement of certain noneducational property taxes and construction-related transaction taxes under Alabama’s tax incentive provisions. The proposed property-tax abatement period is five years, subject to the terms of the agreement.
The matter was subsequently added to the regular council meeting agenda, where the council approved the resolution authorizing the abatement.
Extra Mile Day
The council included an Extra Mile Day discussion on its work session agenda.
No specific proclamation, expenditure or action related to the observance was documented in the supplied regular meeting recording.
Old Fire Station No. 2 and Alexandria Road Properties
The future use of the former Fire Station No. 2 and houses located on city property along Alexandria Road was another scheduled work session topic.
The agenda identified the properties for consideration but did not establish a final reuse, redevelopment or disposal plan.
The regular meeting subsequently proceeded with an amended agenda that included the Bear & Son tax abatement resolution.
Regular City Council Meeting
Opening Proceedings and Proclamation
The regular meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Malachi Cole of Banner Church.
A second-grade student from Kitty Stone Elementary School, identified as Charlotte, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The student was introduced as being in the classes of teachers Wagner and Nally.
The council approved its previous meeting minutes and adopted the amended agenda.
Mayor Mark Jones proclaimed November 20–26, 2026, as Alabama Farm-City Week. The proclamation recognizes the contributions of farmers, agricultural workers and residents of rural and urban communities to the nation’s agricultural production and economy.
No residents addressed the council during the public comment period for agenda items.
MAPCO Alcohol License Approved
The council approved a retail off-premises malt or brewed beverage and wine license for MM CS Services, LLC, doing business as MAPCO No. 889, located at 2380 Pelham Road South in Jacksonville.
The approval allows the business to sell qualifying alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises, subject to applicable state and local licensing requirements.
Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
The council approved Resolution No. R-2339-27, authorizing Jacksonville’s participation in Alabama’s 2027 Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.
The tax holiday will run from 12:01 a.m. Friday, February 26, through midnight Sunday, February 28, 2027.
During that period, qualifying severe weather preparedness items will be exempt from applicable state and participating local sales and use taxes.
The city’s participation provides an exemption from Jacksonville’s municipal sales and use taxes on qualifying purchases under the conditions established by state law.
Police Department Vehicle Funding
The council approved Resolution No. R-2341-27, authorizing the appropriation of fiscal year 2027 funding to McSweeney Auto Group for Jacksonville Police Department vehicles.
The action provides for the acquisition of vehicles for the department.
Street Department Sweeper Purchase
The council approved Resolution No. R-2342-27, authorizing fiscal year 2027 funding to Sansom Equipment Company for a street sweeper for the Jacksonville Street Department.
The equipment is intended for municipal street maintenance operations.
Bear & Son, Inc. Tax Abatement Approved
The council approved the addition of Resolution No. R-2343-27 to the agenda and subsequently adopted the resolution authorizing tax abatements for Bear & Son, Inc.
The accompanying application identifies a proposed capital investment of $422,878 and concerns an addition to the company’s existing Jacksonville manufacturing facility.
The incentive agreement addresses certain noneducational property taxes and construction-related transaction taxes. The proposed property-tax abatement is for five years, with construction-related tax provisions governed by the agreement and applicable state law.
The application also identifies an estimated $404,878 in qualifying property value for tax purposes. These figures describe the company’s project and taxable property estimates, not a direct payment from the city to the company.
Chief Ladiga Trail Lighting Project
The council approved Amendment No. 2 to Jacksonville Public Works Project No. 26-146, involving lighting along the Chief Ladiga Trail.
The amendment was approved as presented in the meeting materials.
Digital Phone Forensics Software
The council authorized Mayor Jones to sign a license agreement with Cellebrite for digital phone forensic software.
The technology is used for examining and extracting information from digital devices during authorized forensic investigations.
Personnel Promotions, Employment and Resignation
The council approved three promotions, five employment actions and one resignation involving the Parks and Recreation and Fire departments.
Promotions
The following promotions were approved, effective October 28, 2026:
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Jason Carter Ledbetter — Recreation Maintenance Operator, following the promotion of Lee Hughes.
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Robin Alvin Lane — Recreation Maintenance Laborer, following the resignation of James Ball.
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Christopher Allen Williams — Recreation Maintenance Operator, following the resignation of Nicholas Day.
New Employees
The council approved the following employment actions, effective upon compliance with Ordinance No. 273:
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Kaleb Lewis — Parks and Recreation Department laborer, filling a vacancy created by the promotion of Robin Lane.
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Kenny Ray Lyles — Parks and Recreation Department laborer, filling a vacancy created by the promotion of Jason Carter Ledbetter.
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Nicholas Dale Smith — Firefighter, filling a vacancy following the resignation of David Smith.
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Caleb Leland Turner — Firefighter, filling a vacancy following the resignation of Daniel Champion.
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Stephen John Corbin — Recreation Maintenance Laborer, filling a vacancy created by the promotion of Christopher Williams.
Fire Department Resignation
The council accepted the resignation of Jordan Tyree, a firefighter/paramedic, effective November 4, 2026.
Purchases and Board Appointments
Fire Department Medical Supplies
Under purchases exceeding $7,500, the council’s agenda packet listed a $13,880.13 purchase from Bound Tree for medical supplies for Jacksonville Fire Station No. 1.
The purchase was included in the council’s consent business, which was approved during the meeting.
Jacksonville Arts Council Appointment
The council approved the appointment of Celeste Snider to the Jacksonville Arts Council.
Snider’s term is scheduled to expire in October 2029.
The appointment was included under the council’s boards and committees business.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Mark Jones noted that the October 26 meeting marked the completion of the administration’s first year in office.
Jones thanked city employees and council members for their work during the first year and expressed appreciation for their contributions.
He also indicated that additional city developments could be announced in the future but did not provide specific details during the meeting.
Council Member Remarks and Community Updates
Sunset Market Chili Cook-Off
Council remarks included a report on a recent chili cook-off held during Jacksonville’s Sunset Market.
The event featured nine contestants and took place near the soccer pavilion behind the Jacksonville Community Center.
Mayor Mark Jones and several community representatives participated in judging the entries.
The event was described as well attended, with residents gathering for the market and competition.
Jacksonville Students Participate in Talladega Speedway Event
Council remarks also recognized Jacksonville City Schools students who participated in an activity at Talladega Superspeedway.
Students from Jacksonville Elementary School, Kitty Stone Elementary School and Jacksonville High School were recognized for their involvement.
The comments highlighted participation by students with special needs and acknowledged the administrators, teachers and community members who helped make the experience possible.
Ride for a Cure Raises Funds
The council received an update on a recent Ride for a Cure event along the Chief Ladiga Trail.
Participants gathered at the trail, traveled to Weaver and returned to Jacksonville.
The event included children, parents and community leaders.
One rider reportedly raised more than $1,200 for the Vanissa Foundation in Piedmont, AL.
Council remarks expressed appreciation to the participants and supporters of the fundraising ride.
JaxOWeen Scheduled for October 27
The council reminded residents about JaxOWeen, scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jacksonville Community Center.
Planned activities include carnival games, an inflatable zone, hayrides, food trucks and candy-related activities.
College students and other community members were also encouraged to participate in the event.
Council Member Recognizes 50th Wedding Anniversary
During council remarks, Councilman James Newell reflected on recently celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife.
Newell discussed his family’s time away from Jacksonville and his appreciation for returning to the community.
He also expressed appreciation for serving alongside the current council.
Jacksonville State University LEAD Program
Council remarks recognized 11 Jacksonville State University students who completed the LEAD program in partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce.
The program connects university students with area employers and introduces participants to career opportunities within the community.
The remarks emphasized the importance of retaining university graduates and encouraging students to consider Jacksonville as a place to establish their careers after graduation.
International House 80th Anniversary
The council also recognized the upcoming 80th anniversary of Jacksonville State University’s International House.
The anniversary was scheduled to be observed during the weekend following the October 26 meeting.
The International House was recognized for its contributions to international education and cultural exchange in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville State Homecoming
Jacksonville State University’s upcoming homecoming activities were also mentioned during council remarks.
Homecoming was scheduled for November 7, before the council’s next regular meeting.
The occasion was noted as an opportunity for alumni and visitors to return to Jacksonville and support local businesses.
November General Election
Council remarks also included a reminder about the November 3, 2026, general election.
Registered voters were encouraged to participate in the election.
Public Comments and Adjournment
No residents came forward during the general public comment portion of the meeting.
