25 NOV 20REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE
The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met for a regular session on November 20, 2025 at their regular meeting place. Council Member Ray delivered the invocation and
Mayor Elmore led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, Ray, LaBron, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum.
PRESENT TEN (10) ABSENT ZERO (0).
Others present for the meeting were: Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Director of Engineering & Public Works Adam Whitlow, Parks & Rec Director Kevin House, Director
of Economic Development Robert Birch, IT Director Brian Harvey, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, Deputy Director of Network Operations Shawn Sutterfield,
Officer Tamarr Vickers, Reginald Ford, and Morgan Allen.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of November 6, 2025 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City
Council meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member LaBron that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of October 16, 2025 be APPROVED.
MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to approve the consent agenda as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
FIRE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/OCTOBER
Estimated fire loss for the month: $ 60,000.00
Savings total for the month: $ 772,000.00
POLICE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/OCTOBER
Topic 2025 2024 2025 2024
Total Complaint Calls 3757 3326
Homicide Reported 0 0 Theft Reported 48 67
Homicide Cleared 0 0 Theft Cleared 19 51
Rape/Sex Assault Reported 1 3 Vehicle Theft Reported 5 13
Rape/Sex Assault Cleared 0 0 Vehicle Theft Cleared 4 6
Robbery Reported 0 0 Felony Cases Reported 91 123
Robbery Cleared 0 0 Felony Cases Closed 97 115
Felony Assaults Reported 9 20 Misd Cases Reported 212 309
Felony Assaults Cleared 5 11 Misd Cases Closed 163 242
Burglary Reported 12 19
Burglary Cleared 6 7
CODE ENFORCEMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/OCTOBER
Assigned Calls 54 Demolition by City 0
Self-Initiated Calls 185 Demolition by Owner 0
Follow Up Inspections 418 Parking Violations 0
Complied after Notice 281 Garbage Cans Tagged 0
Three Day Notice 0 Basketball Goals 0
Seven Day Letter 310 Structures Inspected 0
Citation Letters Mailed 47 Apartment Complexes Inspected 4
Citations Issued 6 Red Tags Issued 2
Vehicles Tagged 27 Search Warrants 0
Vehicles Towed 2 Grass Mowed 73
Unsafe Structures Tagged 0 Signs Removed 7
Structures Condemned 2 Shopping Carts 0
Structures Rehabbed 0
FINANCE DEPARTMENT INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT/OCTOBER
Total Revenues Total Expenditures
General Fund $ 19,416,521 $ 22,850,917
Street Fund $ 3,728,714 $ 1,944,570
Sanitation Services Fund $ 1,674,517 $ 1,936,390
AG&F Shooting Sports Complex $ 322,172 $ 367,146
EMS Fund $ 2,060,885 $ 2,374,499
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION: ORDINANCE 1804 (#33-2025)
AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (2013 AND 2019 HAMILTON STREET); AMENDING ORDINANCE NOS. 213 AND 238 AND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE,
ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to place Ordinance 1804 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, Ray, LaBron, Moss, Twitty,
Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1804.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member LaBron to APPROVE Ordinance 1804 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1804 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council
Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, Ray, LaBron, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member LaBron to APPROVE Ordinance 1804 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1804 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL
CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, Ray, LaBron, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1804 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, Ray, LaBron,
Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE 1804 (#33-2025) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 20TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2025.
COMMITTEE(S):
GENERAL: a. Concern from citizen Jana McWilliams
Citizen Jana McWilliams of 1405 North Jeff Davis Street read a statement regarding increasing crime in her neighborhood and a neighbor operating a car repair and racing operation. She
explained they have multiple old vehicles in the yard that they work on and race at all hours on their residential street. She told how the property values are being harmed and their
sense of safety has disappeared. She listed other activities impacting their health and safety including harmful emissions, the disregard for traffic laws, and noise pollution. She
recalled there being police involvement, but was unaware of any action taken. She respectfully urged the City to investigate this ongoing situation since they need meaningful enforcement
and intervention. She requested the City to post a clear speed limit sign, and most importantly, install a stop sign at the corner of Harvey and North Jeff Davis Street.
Mayor Elmore apologized and related that they had a Police Lieutenant make contact with the resident making him aware of the complaints and that it is unlawful. He explained the officers
have to catch them in the act, but they have been asked to increase patrol in that area. He recommended Mrs. McWilliams contact him or Chief Hibbs if these issues continue.
b. DISCUSSION Code Enforcement Liens
Council Member LaBron pointed out Council received a list of Code Enforcement liens broken down by ward. He asked how Council could assist in recouping some of it, because $84,000 is
a lot for grass and some demolitions.
Code Enforcement Supervisor Marissa Barger told how since October’s lien hearing, they have received approximately 20 payments, but was unaware of the dollar amount. She detailed that
each year they advertise requesting properly licensed companies interested to apply, then select four to mow from April to October. She noted the City pays $75 per acre, but bills the
owners a $100 administrative fee, plus that $75 abatement fee, and extra cut fees if applicable. She mentioned the October list was for April to August, so September and October will
be handled next meeting. She stated they give owners thirty days to pay, then another 30 days before they place a lien.
Council Member Ruple related that it costs him $30 for a title company to file a lien, then another $30 to get it removed. He asked if the owners are responsible for these fees.
City Attorney Friedman confirmed it comes out of her budget, since she is charged per page when filing.
Supervisor Barger surmised it may be included in the administrative fee.
A brief discussion ensued regarding the process of receiving lien payments.
Supervisor Barger noted if the property sells after a proper title search, the lien will be collected upon sale, otherwise, the lien stays with that property and new owner.
c. ORDINANCE 1803 (#32-2025)
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A FISCAL BUDGET FOR 2026; MAKING APPROPRIATIONS AND AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES FOR OPERATION OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF CITY GOVERNMENT; FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS,
SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES COVERING GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS, STREET FUND, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FUND, SHOOTING RANGE FUND, AND SANITATION FUND; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND,
FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Ruple to place Ordinance 1803 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, Ray, LaBron, Moss, Twitty,
and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Kinman voting NAY. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1803.
Council Member McCoy brought up that the salary roster received did not identify the data source. She asked what system, payroll records, or salary study was referenced to compile the
information provided to Council.
Human Resources Director Charlette Nelson replied that they used the Municipal League salary survey from 2023.
Council Member McCoy noted some of the figures do not match 2023. She asked why are there discrepancies if they used it verbatim from 2023.
Mayor Elmore related they do not use the salary study in determining salaries because it is set at the time of hire. He explained they have not used the mid column, which has caused
the most confusion, and it is not a tool used when looking at salaries. He recalled it has been a reference that has been there in the past, but it has not always been there. He stated
it was adopted on the spreadsheet Director Nelson uses to keep track of things, but that sheet is not an “official document.”
Director Nelson concurred.
Mayor Elmore clarified it is a working document and is not what it is based on. He reiterated that the mid column is not a factor used and the letter he submitted to City Council explained
it in the first part.
Council Member McCoy mentioned the document Council received says 2024 survey lookup midpoint. She asked before the roster was distributed to Council, who verified it for accuracy, because
Director Nelson related it was 2023, but it says 2024.
Director Nelson told how herself, Mayor Elmore, and Finance Director Laura Collie went over all current salaries and did not use the salary survey.
Council Member McCoy noted Council was told the salary survey was used, but it was not.
Director Nelson reiterated the salary survey was not used.
Council Member McCoy inquired to Director Nelson if there is a document that has a listing of the salary she used and provide it to Council. She brought up that 2023 was mentioned then
asked if she needs to go back and look at 2023.
Director Nelson concurred.
Mayor Elmore noted the midpoint column was not in the document when the original spreadsheet was asked for, but it was added because it was requested.
Council Member McCoy understood, but pointed out when something is provided, they have to be able to cross-reference and factcheck in order to process and make an informed decision about
a budget.
Mayor Elmore related that the current and proposed salaries are the two columns that matter.
Council Member McCoy shared that she wants to see where they got their midpoint information so she can check it.
Mayor Elmore reiterated that was not a factor in determining salaries.
Council Member McCoy confirmed she cannot pass a budget with not having received something factual.
When Council Member McCoy asked where longevity pay is in the budget, Mayor Elmore replied it is not a budgeted item, and has never been, because it is determined if there are residual
funds from the year.
Director Collie stated the funds come out of the General, Street, EMS, Sanitation, and Shooting Range funds; just like payroll.
Council Member McCoy asked what the total amount is being paid out and to who.
Director Collie was unsure of why she needed the list because it is not a budgeted item or anything Council votes for.
Council Member McCoy explained that according to Municipal League, who she reached out to, they should have an ordinance regarding it since the allocation of funds is Council’s responsibility.
Director Collie shared her understanding that it is an administrative decision by the Mayor, who has the authority to do so in his job duties. She recommended she ask him that information.
Council Member McCoy read part of an email received from Arkansas Municipal League’s Legal & Inquiry Council Caleb Alexander-McKinzie: “I hope you are well. Arkansas law does not have
any specific requirements for a city to establish a longevity pay policy for municipal employees. The city may do so if the city wishes to do so—that is a matter of local policy for
the city to determine—and I would recommend doing so via ordinance, but there is not law that requires an ordinance. As with all expenditures of public funds, the city council must
first appropriate the funds so that they may be paid out. If the city is paying the longevity pay out in lump sums, similar to a bonus, the payment should be process as payroll—again,
similar to a bonus.“ She affirmed that Council needs to know those funds are being dispersed and it requires transparency. She requested details on who all receives it and how much
is paid out.
Director Collie related that Council Member McCoy would have to get that information from the Mayor.
Mayor Elmore clarified that HR has the list.
Director Nelson shared that regular full-time employees having 3-5 years of continuous service get $700, 6-10 is $800, 11-15 is $900, and 16+ is $1000. She told how she has been with
the City for 17 years and they have been giving out longevity all 17; probably before she started working here also, at the mayor’s discretion. She noted that part-time employees receive
half of that amount and seasonal employees and elected officials do not receive it. She explained that the money is given out on a separate check and is taxed. She confirmed it is not
a policy because it is not a budgeted item, since it is not guaranteed every year.
Council Member Kinman moved, seconded by Council Member McCoy to ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION regarding an employee issue at approximately 6:38 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member McCleary moved, seconded by Council Member McCoy to RECONVENE FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION at approximately 7:05 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Elmore stated there were no actionable items; just discussion only.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 1803 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1803 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL:
Council Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, Ray, LaBron, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member LaBron to APPROVE Ordinance 1803 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1803 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL
CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, McCoy, Ray, LaBron, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1803 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ruple, McCleary, Ray, LaBron, Moss,
Twitty, Kinman, and Mimms voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member McCoy voting NAY.
ORDINANCE 1803 (#32-2025) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 20TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2025.
Council Member Twitty thanked Director Collie, her department, Director Nelson, and Mayor Elmore for their hard work on the budget.
APPOINTMENTS:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Christmas Parade
Mayor Elmore announced that the Christmas Parade will be Saturday, December 6th. He encouraged Council and others to participate.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:09 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR JEFF ELMORE
City Clerk-Treasurer