Jacksonville council accepts donated brush truck, approves emergency appropriations and Old Settlers event contract

The Village of Jacksonville council on June 27 accepted a donated 2024 Ford F350 brush truck from Athens County and approved several financial and event measures during its regularly scheduled meeting.

Athens County Commissioner Charlie Adkins brought the truck to the meeting and told council the county purchased the vehicle for $68,195 and added a wildland skid unit for $30,090, bringing the truck’s total value to $98,285. Fiscal Officer Heather Rockwell said she will meet Adkins at the Athens County Title Office at 8 a.m. on June 28 to transfer the title.

Fire Chief DJ Henry reported staffing and equipment updates: two local firefighters passed the required 36-hour certification; tanker repairs are nearly complete pending a DEF sensor covered by warranty; pump testing for Engine 1773 and Tanker 1771 passed; and the department’s MARCS grant is roughly 75% complete with pagers and portables received and mobile radios pending. Henry also described plans for a controlled burn training exercise using a donated cabin, noting an asbestos inspection and State Fire Marshal permits would be required before scheduling training in late August or early September.

Council addressed a range of administrative and fiscal matters. Fiscal Officer Rockwell reported the Village’s Neighborhood Revitalization Grant was submitted by HAPCAP on June 12 and outlined project allocations totaling $750,000 across streets, parks, flood/drainage, curb/sidewalk work and $50,000 for administration; she also said new state LMI data shows Jacksonville is 61% low-to-moderate income. Rockwell announced the Village received $249,999 from the Ohio Public Works Commission for 2024 street improvements and that the H2Ohio project is near closure in mid-July. Rockwell said the Village did not receive AARP or Appalachian Community grants this round.

On procurement and budget measures, council suspended rules and adopted Ordinance 2024-5 (2024 Supplemental Permanent Appropriations) and adopted Resolution 2024-6 authorizing a Then & Now purchase order to JD Johnson Sales and Service LLC. Council also approved a leak credit of $149 for 15,204 gallons billed to account 00900-001, and agreed to file an Amended Certificate of Estimated Resources with the county auditor. The motions were made and seconded by council members and recorded as approved in roll-call votes reported in the meeting.

Council reviewed and executed a revised Park Event Agreement for the Old Settlers Reunion, approving changes to road-closure language in item #7 and directing Chair Rachel Gratz to notify the reunion committee whether rides will be offered by June 30. Council agreed to hold a special meeting July 2 if the committee can attend; Fire Chief Henry will receive a copy of the final contract so the agreed road closures can be coordinated.

Solicitor Andrew Grillo presented an updated solicitor contract covering January–June 2024 after noting work had been performed outside the previous contract; the council approved a version with corrections to item #3 and agreed that unusual extra hours would be billed at an hourly rate. Grillo also noted an unresolved civil filing (Hellyer matter) requiring a $200 Common Pleas Court filing fee so the auditor can remove certain charges; he said the Auditor and Prosecutor agree with the recommended document.

The meeting closed with councilmember Eric Clift asking the council to honor the recently deceased Floyd Russell with a plaque or proclamation, and Acting Mayor Angela Strock adjourning the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Chief Henry said he expects the Insurance Service Office determination on fire ratings in about 3–4 weeks.

Next steps: title transfer for the brush truck is scheduled for 8 a.m. on June 28; Neighborhood Revitalization grant awards are expected in early September; the Old Settlers Reunion contract may be amended after the committee confirms whether rides will be included.