My View – October 2023

Part of what makes Jacksonville “Jacksonville” is having a relationship with town employees—office staff, public works, firemen…and cops. Over the last year, Jacksonville’s Police Department, under Chief Dave Towe, has been operating on a skeleton crew with 2.5 patrol officers and the chief. Reasons cited for a lack of police staffing include officers who have retired, those leaving JVPD to work for other municipalities for better pay, and a lack of candidates willing to work.

Over the past few years, Chief Towe has successfully enticed several seasoned officers to come out of retirement and work for the city. However, the majority of them are only willing to work weekdays and do not want night or weekend shifts—they’ve been there, done that! This factor is a key component leading the city to consider a “hybrid” model wherein the night and evening shifts would be staffed by deputies from the Jackson County Sherriff’s Office.

On October 3 at its regular evening meeting, the City Council will be taking public input on how to proceed with this proposed hybrid model. Afterwards, the council is expected to vote on an agenda item—all indications are that the city will enter into a flexible contract that enables it to reduce its dependence on JCSO if the city is successful in hiring new officers.

On 9/19, Chief Towe informed council that Matt Hannum, a well-liked former JVPD officer, had accepted an offer to return to the city and will be groomed to replace Chief Towe, who’s been at his post for 33 years. By the time Officer Hannum is ready to move to the chief position, the council is hopeful that more officers will have been recruited—but there is no guarantee. The council is struggling with the “dream” and the “reality” of maintaining the essence of a local police department—the number one determinant in hiring officers is that entry-level Jacksonville officers are paid about $48,000 vs. $80,000 in Medford and other surrounding towns.

The city would be well-advised to speak with Police Chief Snook of Talent, Oregon, who successfully rebuilt that department by hiring 8 patrol officers, earning between $4400-$5600/month—not far from what Jacksonville is paying. With that said, it would be foolish to think that Jacksonville can have its cake and eat it too for too long—without an increase in the $35/monthly police surcharge or an increased property tax levy, funding the “dream” department will continue being difficult. Ideally, JVPD would operate 24/7 with 6 patrol officers and a Chief.

The council decision may well be the most consequential one made in my tenure as publisher… I believe that council and staff are truly concerned about providing the best possible public safety program—and I trust they’ll do what’s best for Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere.