Jacksonville City Council Discusses 2025 Plans, Severe Weather Tax Holiday, and Economic Development

• The Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday is a state-authorized initiative offering a temporary tax break on items that can be used to prepare for severe weather events, such as tornadoes. This recurring program has been implemented in previous years, and officials have noted it doesn’t significantly impact revenues. It provides a valuable opportunity for residents to save on essential preparedness supplies.

• The Council Meeting Dates for 2025 include the usual meetings with a few adjustments for holidays. Notably, there is a proposed organizational meeting on November 3, 2025, to accommodate new council members. The regular meetings would follow on November 10 and 24. The meeting on May 26 will be rescheduled to May 27 due to the holiday.

  As for the Holidays in 2025, the council discussed holiday scheduling, noting that Christmas Eve will still fall on December 24, and Christmas Day on December 25. No major changes were anticipated for holiday observances. The council emphasized flexibility, noting that adjustments could be made if necessary but generally left things as they are in the policy manual.

• In late October, the Appalachian Regional Commission invited municipalities within the 423 Appalachian counties to submit letters of interest for the Grants to Grow program. The City of Jacksonville submitted a proposal for the Jacksonville Community Transit Service, which would connect to the existing EARPDC ACTS program. Recently, Jacksonville was notified that their proposal has advanced to the application phase, with the application due by February 15, 2025.

  The grant, which could provide up to $500,000 over three years, requires a 30% cost-share from the city, which can be spread over the three years. The council discussed whether to proceed with the application, with considerations on the grant’s flexibility, the potential for future reapplication after three years, and the maintenance and logistics involved. The council was not locked into the grant until the final acceptance is signed, allowing for further exploration before committing.

  The focus would be on local transit within Jacksonville, potentially reducing duplication of services already offered by nearby areas. The grant would allow for more tailored transportation services, with flexibility to adjust based on actual needs.

Pursuant to Alabama State Constitution Amendment 772, the City of Jacksonville is scheduling a Public Hearing for December 23, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at 320 Church Avenue, SE, Jacksonville, Alabama, regarding a proposed economic development project within the city limits of Jacksonville, AL.  The City of Jacksonville, Alabama, has determined that the development of the site and construction of a 79 room Fairfield Inn and Suites and the financial assistant being provided to the Developer, Jax Hotel II, LLC, will serve a valid public purpose by (i) increase and broaden the city’s tax base, (ii) serve as an anchor for attracting other and additional commercial and retail activity within the city, (iii) attract additional visitors to the city and (iv) enhance the quality of life to the residents of the city by offering additional commercial, retail and lodging options for such residents.  Other than the Developer and Fairfield Inn and Suites/Marriott Hotels, no specific individual, firm, cooperation or other entity is expected to receive any benefits, incidental or otherwise, from the assistance and other actions proposed to be taken by the city herein.  Therefore, the City has determined that it is in the public interest for the City to provide incentives as follows:

1. Abatement of city building permit estimated to be $78,000.00.
2. Reimburse:
3. City’s 5% sales tax on building materials estimated to be $500,000.00
4. City’s 10 mills property tax on this property for five (5) years estimated to be $130,000.00 for the five (5) years.
5. Five percent (5%) of the city’s lodging tax on this property for five (5) years estimated to be $600,000.00.

Additionally, the Mayor commended Joy, Pam, Patty, Bert, Kim, Kirk, and Rob for their hard work on decorating City Hall, highlighting their teamwork and efforts. He mentioned Toys for Tots collection boxes in the lobby and reminded everyone of upcoming holiday closures for City Hall on December 24th, 25th, and January 1st. He also inquired about the police department’s involvement in providing bicycles.