Jackson council rejects lease addendum for Precinct 4 after debate on visibility and flooding

Jackson — The Jackson City Council voted 2-4 on Dec. 30 against authorizing a second addendum to extend the lease for Police Precinct 4, after a lengthy debate over the facility's visibility, flooding risk and suitability.

Chief of Police Tyree Jones told the council the current Precinct 4 location is “hidden” and not readily identifiable as a precinct, saying the site lacks visible signage and parked police cars that would make it easier for the public to find help. “I just would say this on the record: it's a bad location where that precinct is located,” Jones said.

Council members pressed on whether visibility was the primary issue or whether infrastructure and flood risk were equally important. One member asked for basic characteristics of an appropriate precinct site; Jones listed visibility, sufficient parking and a safe, non-flooding structure. Peter Taylorsen, the city's chief administrative officer, and others agreed infrastructure and employee safety are also factors.

Councilman Parkinson moved to extend the lease; council discussion emphasized timing, vendor costs and whether the administration should pursue a different site. Several members said a new chief could weigh in on a long-term site selection.

When put to a tally, the chair recorded two in favor and four opposed. The council did not authorize the mayor to execute the lease addendum; no further immediate action on a replacement site was recorded in the meeting minutes.

The issue arose during Item 18 on the agenda, which the administration had placed for action after work-session discussion the prior day. The council also discussed other precinct-related needs, including interior repairs tied to roof and flooding concerns elsewhere in city facilities.

Next steps were not specified at the meeting; members noted a new police chief and additional site work could inform future decisions.