JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council convened for its regular meeting on September 8, 2025, approving several significant policy changes and budget allocations while addressing public safety and infrastructure needs.
Key Council Actions
The council unanimously approved Resolution R-2264-25, establishing a comprehensive off-duty employment policy for the Jacksonville Police Department. The new policy allows officers to accept secondary employment while using city equipment, provided they receive prior approval from the Chief of Police and meet specific insurance requirements.
Council members also approved an independent administrative services agreement with Extra Duty Solutions, a third-party company that will handle scheduling and coordination for off-duty police work. This arrangement shifts administrative costs away from the city to the hiring parties.
Budget and Personnel Decisions
In budget-related actions, the council approved $1,665,520 for cast iron gas line replacement labor through Speegle Contracting Co., Inc., as part of project JPWP#25-135. Additionally, they authorized the purchase of a $27,700 line striping machine for the street department from The Sherwin-Williams Company.
Personnel changes included the reclassification of Riley Small from part-time to full-time Public Safety Communications Officer, effective September 10, 2025, following the resignation of Tawanna Williams.
Conference Attendance Approved
The council approved nearly $8,000 in conference attendance costs for police department personnel, including sending two officers to the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference in Denver and two others to the International Problem-Oriented Policing Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. The latter will be reimbursed through a Rural/Small Town Violent Crimes Grant.
Service Agreements and Public Input
Council members authorized a service agreement with Shelton Brown for part-time wastewater treatment plant operations at $25 per hour for up to 500 hours over twelve months. Brown must maintain Grade 3 Wastewater Operator certification.
During public comments, Andrew Silvie from the Jacksonville State University Student Government Association announced an upcoming 9/11 Stair Climb fundraiser at the football stadium on September 26.
Fire Chief commended the collaborative response between police and fire departments during a recent house fire investigation, highlighting the effective inter-agency cooperation.
Historical Recognition
Council Member remarks included recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Jacksonville Trailblazers, commemorating the 14 African American students who integrated the Jacksonville school system on September 7, 1965. Celebrations were held at multiple locations, including the former laboratory school site.
Executive Session
The meeting concluded with the council entering executive session to discuss preliminary negotiations involving economic development matters, though no details were disclosed about the nature of these discussions.
Mayor Johnny L. Smith was absent from the meeting due to illness, with council members requesting prayers for his quick recovery.
