JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council conducted a comprehensive work session followed by formal voting on September 22, 2025, addressing towing regulations, administrative procedures, and municipal services.
Work Session Discussions
Wrecker Rotation Service Reform
Police Chief Wood opened the work session by presenting a proposed ordinance change that would replace current towing regulations with a comprehensive policy framework. Chief Wood explained the rationale behind the reform, citing ongoing citizen complaints about price gouging and inconsistent pricing among rotation services.
“Over the last couple of years we are all the time having issues or complaints from citizens on either they’re being or feeling like they’re getting price gouged,” Chief Wood told council members. He also highlighted safety concerns, noting officers sometimes wait 30 to 45 minutes roadside for wrecker services, creating traffic hazards.
The proposed policy establishes specific rate structures: passenger vehicles would be charged up to $250 for daytime service and $275 for nights, weekends, and holidays. Mileage rates outside the police jurisdiction would be capped at $8 per mile, with additional labor at $100 per hour. Large truck services would operate under separate rate structures, with base rates up to $850 and hourly rates reaching $1,000 for nights and weekends.
Chief Wood noted that the policy had been shared with the three companies currently on rotation, allowing for input and feedback before the presentation.
Records Request Form Modifications
City Clerk Brenda Long presented proposed changes to the public records request form, focusing on whether the “reason for request” field should remain mandatory. Legal counsel suggested making the field optional, noting that regardless of the stated reason, requests would still be processed.
Council members debated the value of collecting this data, with some noting it could help identify frequently requested records that might be better published online proactively. After discussion, the council decided to leave the form unchanged.
Republic Services Contract Renewal
Long also addressed the upcoming garbage and recycling contract renewal with Republic Services. The current contract automatically renews in January for three years unless terminated by December. Long noted that Jacksonville remains the only municipality in the county offering curbside recycling.
Council members discussed service quality, with representatives expressing general satisfaction despite occasional issues with damaged bins. Councilman Wilson asked about complaint frequency, with staff indicating manageable levels. The consensus emerged to allow automatic renewal rather than rebidding, which could result in higher costs.
Insurance Coverage Review
The work session included extensive discussion about municipal insurance options. Long reported reaching out to Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation (AMIC) for quotes to compare with current provider Travelers Insurance.
Chief Wood advocated for AMIC, citing benefits including local representation, annual inspections, legal services for high-stress police incidents, and training opportunities. He noted specific concerns about medical liability coverage and cybersecurity protection under Travelers.
Fire Chief echoed support for AMIC, particularly regarding medical liability coverage, which he identified as a significant concern given current HIPAA requirements and computer security needs.
The council ultimately decided to seek quotes from both providers rather than automatically renewing with Travelers, allowing for comprehensive comparison of coverage and costs.
Formal Council Meeting
Following the work session, Mayor Johnny Smith called the formal meeting to order with an invocation by Brother Eddie Gooch from New Beginnings Fellowship Church and the Pledge of Allegiance led by student Marita Watson.
Ordinance and Resolution Approvals
The council conducted the first reading of Ordinance O-671-25, which removes fraternity and sorority houses from one zoning section and establishes new regulations in another section. No action was taken as this was the initial reading.
Two franchise agreements received unanimous approval: Resolution R-2265-25 for Uniti Fiber Gulfco LLC and Resolution R-2266-25 for Coosa Valley Technologies Inc.
Budget and Personnel Actions
The council unanimously approved a 2% cost of living adjustment for General Fund and Water Works Gas and Sewer Board employees, effective October 1, 2025. Both the FY 2026 General Fund Budget and Water Works Gas and Sewer Board Budget received approval.
Personnel actions included approving the employment of Austin Brian Goodwin as Wastewater III/Water Operator II and acknowledging the retirement notification of Ed Kennedy, Recreation and Athletics Coordinator, effective December 1, 2025.
Technology Investments
Two five-year agreements with Axon Enterprise received approval: one for camera and evidence storage for the Animal Control Department and another for the Police Department. Chief Wood noted his research into ensuring the city received competitive pricing.
Public Comments and Community Recognition
During public comments, Fire Chief thanked the council for the cost of living adjustment, noting its importance in employee retention. “It’s easy to ask for a raise, it’s hard to fund it,” he said, expressing the fire department’s appreciation.
Jacksonville State University Student Government Association Community Ambassador Anna Grace thanked the council for supporting homecoming activities, reporting record-breaking election participation with 2,600 votes cast in core elections and 1,700 for homecoming king and queen selections.
Upcoming Events
Mayor Smith announced the Youth Fishing Rodeo for children 15 and under on September 27, beginning at 8 a.m. with fishing from 9 a.m. to noon. He also mentioned a jewelry-making class at the library featuring bracelet and necklace creation for $15.
The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss real property matters and economic development under Alabama Code provisions 36-25A-786 and 36-25A-787.
