Jacksonville Review – May 2026

City Council Meeting, April 7, 2026:

ABUNDANT THANKS!—During Public Comment, members of the community expressed the following positive sentiments to Council:

  • Michelle Hollenbock thanked neighbor and Councilor Ken Gregg for installing lighting on the path in front of his historic home on South Oregon Street.
  • Don Litchfield, Executive Director, expressed gratitude to the city for its support of ongoing marketing efforts by the Chamber of Commerce.
  • Stephanie Geary expressed gratitude for having an active Police Department and for their posting of department calls on its new Facebook page.
  • Abby McKee, CEO Britt Festivals, happily noted HARC’s approval of Britt’s planned renovation of the historic US Hotel for Britt’s new corporate headquarters and performance venue.
  • Cindy Rasmussen of Citizens for a Safer Jacksonville suggested that staff apply any remaining budgeted funds to install a new set of speed humps on Applegate Street and noted her gratitude for working together.

Staff Reports—City Administrator Jeff Alvis reported that the revitalization of Rasmussen’s garage on California Street was progressing and that more information would be forthcoming.

Finance Director Stacey Bray announced that the first Budget Committee Meeting to address and adopt the 2026-27 FY budget will be held on May 21, at 4pm, at New City Hall (NCH), and that, if necessary, a second meeting will follow on May 28, at 4pm, in NCH.

Award Unveiled—City Administrator Alvis and Councilor Andrea Thompson proudly showed off and discussed the city’s 2026 National Wildfire Mitigation Award—the highest national honor a city can receive for outstanding work for wildfire preparedness and mitigation.

Transient Lodging Tax Grants—The following non-profit groups were awarded the following bed tax grants as recommended by the Transient Lodging Tax Committee:

  • Historic Jacksonville, Inc. – “Behind the Counter Tours” $ 2,000
  • Historic Jacksonville, Inc. – “Citywide Museum” Exhibit Installations $7,500
  • Art Presence, Inc. – Marketing Plan 2026-27 $2235.50
  • Britt Festival – Restoration of the U.S. Hotel $10,000
  • Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce – Airport Digital Advertising & Targeted Media in Regional Publications $28,800
  • Jacksonville Community Center – Project to Upgrade Safety, Lighting and Interior $2235.50
  • Chamber of Commerce – Marketing program from lodging owner fund $34,000