June 2023—At its June 6 meeting, the City Council voted to increase the Police Surcharge from $20 to $35 a month. As per projections, the council agreed to hold the fee at $35 for 5 years. The $15 increase will be used to fund a full-time department or a hybrid model that includes hiring two Jackson County Sheriff’s Department officers for the night shift. Two officers are needed as each would work 3.5 days. The surcharge, collected monthly on city water bills, is the only funding mechanism available for police costs as the General Fund cannot be used for public safety expenses. Additionally, as per a prior ordinance, the Fire Department surcharge, also charged on water bills, will increase by $1 on July 1.
The Police Department increase is pending passage of an ordinance, the first reading of which was on June 20 with the second reading on July 18, during regular council sessions. The ordinance will become effective on August 18, at which time public water utility bills will reflect the $35 total cost. The city has always offered a relief program for residents on fixed incomes—residents seeking total or partial relief should speak with staff on a strictly confidential basis about this program.
The Jacksonville Budget Committee, Staff and City Council meet on a regular basis during the fiscal year and have been studying how to adequately provide public safety funding for the Police and Fire Departments. Due to Jacksonville having the second-lowest property tax assessment in Jackson County at $1.84/$1000 assessed value, tax revenues are less than other municipalities—this, despite Jacksonville’s average house price being amongst the highest in the county. While a lower tax rate reduces property taxes, it’s a disadvantage when it comes to funding departments such as the police.
It was determined that Jacksonville finds itself in an uncompetitive “hiring” environment with starting salary packages for new police officers in the $48,000 range. Just a few miles away in Central Point, Ashland or Medford, a newly hired officer can expect a salary/benefits package at nearly double this amount. As Police Chief David Towe explained several times, hiring officers requires more funding and finding them has become increasingly difficult. Despite being slower and not having “big city” issues, attracting officer candidates, including semi-retired officers looking for a slower pace, has proven difficult. Presently, Jacksonville PD is operating with 3 officers, not the traditional 5 officers it takes to provide 24-7 coverage. For comparison’s sake, funding 5 full time officers/Chief costs approximately $675,000 annually while contracting the same number of officers with JCSO would run in excess of $900,000 annually.
In seeking solutions to the coverage and funding gaps, a hybrid model has been studied that would enable the city to contract with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department to employ 2-night shift officers. During a study session, Jackson County Sheriff Nate Sickler and Chief Towe presented options to the council. Although there are still union negotiations with Jacksonville PD to iron out, it appears the city is moving in this direction. Currently, the city has not entered into formal contractual negotiations with JCSO. Initial estimates presented to the council peg the cost of a JCSO officer at $150,000 annually, requiring $300,000 of added expenses to fill the night shift alone. As stated earlier, the $15 Police Surcharge increase will be used to fund either a full-time JVPD or a hybrid department model.
It’s worth noting that during public comment and council deliberation, the notion of Jacksonville “losing its small-town identity” was discussed numerous times. The council understands that residents are proud of having their own police department and they consider it a part of their reason for residing here. With that said, the council finds itself in a difficult spot wherein the “dream” and the “reality” are separated due to funding deficiencies.
In years past, residents have supported and fought the surcharge. On one hand, the surcharge spreads the cost of funding equally, irrespective of one’s home value. On the other hand, opponents dislike that surcharges are not deductible on state income taxes for those who itemize and that the “tax” is not voted on as are tax levies. Both sides have voiced their opinions for nearly 20 years since passage of the Public Safety Ordinance that instituted these fees.
Please note that the Council is still studying this issue and is holding ongoing meetings to formulate strategies for the benefit of everyone in Jacksonville.