1793ORDINANCE NO. 1793 (#22 - 2025)
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A HYBRID CITY COUNCIL SEAT
STRUCTURE DESIGNATING POSITION 1 AS WARD -BASED AND POSITION 2
AS AT -LARGE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City of Jacksonville currently operates under an at -large voting
system for city council positions; and
WHEREAS, Ark. Code Ann. § 14-43-307 authorizes cities of the first class to
determine by ordinance the method of electing city council members, including whether such
members are elected by ward or at -large; and
WHEREAS, Act 283 of 2025 further affirms municipal authority to transition from
at -large to hybrid structures to improve localized representation; and
WHEREAS, the Jacksonville City Council desires to implement a hybrid structure to
enhance community representation while maintaining city-wide engagement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, THAT:
SECTION ONE: Position 1 shall be designated as a ward -based position, elected
solely by the residents of the ward in which the council member resides.
SECTION TWO: Position 2 shall remain an at -large position, elected by the
voters of the entire city.
SECTION THREE: This ordinance shall be implemented in accordance with
applicable state laws, including Ark. Code Ann. § 14-43-307 and Act 283 of 2025.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS DAY OF 2025.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
JEFF ELMORE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
SUSAN DAVITT, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
STEPHANIE FRIEDMAN, CITY ATTORNEY
Failed to be approved on First Reading August 7, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. 1793 (#22 - 2025)
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A HYBRID CITY COUNCIL SEAT
STRUCTURE DESIGNATING POSITION I AS AT -LARGE AND POSITION 2 AS
WARD -BASED; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City of Jacksonville currently operates under an at -large voting
system for city council positions; and
WHEREAS, Ark. Code Ann. § 14-43-307 authorizes cities of the first class to
determine by ordinance the method of electing city council members, including whether such
members are elected by ward or at -large; and
WHEREAS, Act 283 of 2025 further affirms municipal authority to transition from
at -large to hybrid structures to improve localized representation; and
WHEREAS, the Jacksonville City Council desires to implement a hybrid structure to
enhance community representation while maintaining city-wide engagement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, THAT:
SECTION ONE: Position 1 shall be designated as an at -large position, elected
by the voters of the entire city.
SECTION TWO: Position 2 shall be designated as a ward -based position, elected
solely by the residents of the ward in which the council member resides.
SECTION THREE: This ordinance shall be implemented in accordance with
applicable state laws, including Ark. Code Ann. § 14-43-307 and Act 283 of 2025.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS DAY OF 2025.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
JEFF ELMORE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
SUSAN DAVITT, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
STEPHANIE FRIEDMAN, CITY ATTORNEY
This version was presented in August 7, 2025 agenda, but not placed on First Reading