My View – August 2024

THIS MONTH, we’re celebrating and having some fun with our canine friends in town. All month, check our Instagram and Facebook where you’ll find photos of the four-legged friends who make Jacksonville extra special!

On a political note, please see Mayor Donna Bowen’s column on page 8, wherein she discusses this year’s LOCAL election cycle. Our council race is, thankfully, a far cry from what’s going on at a national level and presents a unique volunteer opportunity for you to get involved and make a difference. As stated, every two years, the city holds council elections—with the mayor’s seat and three council seats up during this cycle. These are all-volunteer posts with no pay involved; the reward is contributing to the betterment of town. If you’re interested in running, there are steps involved, including some mandatory paperwork. Interested candidates have until 4pm on August 8 to turn in the required documents to the City Recorder.

As I’ve said for years, the most effective councilors serve at the committee or commission level first, where they learn the ropes and how the city functions. There are exceptions, as demonstrated by Talon Reed, who was a political newcomer in 2022 with no prior committee or commission experience and one who’s become an excellent councilor.

On another serious note, the city is studying our current fire protection services. At its July 16 meeting, the council heard and participated in a presentation by Chief Hussey from Fire District 3 on the merits of merging Jacksonville Fire with FD3. It should be noted that this idea has circulated for years, and that this proposal was brought to Jacksonville by FD#3. The presentation indicated that Jacksonville could be absorbed by FD#3 with no increase in the monthly fire surcharge. In fact, the budgetary analysis presented saved the city $200,000 in the first year of the contract…council needs to dig into future year increases and plans to do so as part of its due diligence. Interestingly, the city has also been approached by Ashland Fire and Medford Fire with similar study sessions planned to hear other proposals. Please look for meeting announcements on our website and Facebook page as well as on the city website. While nothing has been decided, staff and council are looking at all options to provide the best and most cost-effective fire protection program for our town.

As always, the most important issues we face as citizens are right here at a LOCAL level… where YOU can shape the future of our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!