Jackson adopts false-alarm ordinance, hires part-time deputy and approves maintenance raises

The Town of Jackson Board of Aldermen on June 1 adopted a new false-alarm ordinance, approved a cooperative agreement with the Clinton Police Department, and authorized several personnel changes that affect the marshal's office and the maintenance department.

Mayor Dane Brown opened the meeting at 6 p.m. and the board moved through routine business before approving a cooperative policing agreement between the Jackson Marshal’s Office and the Clinton Police Department. William Free moved that the mayor be authorized to sign the agreement after confirming there were no insurance restrictions; David Guillory seconded and the motion passed with no opposition.

On the agenda’s primary action item, the board adopted an amendment to Chapter 10 to add “Article V — False Alarms.” Michael Harrell moved to adopt the ordinance as proposed but with a revised fee schedule; James “Bubba” McCrory seconded. The adopted fee schedule sets graduated fines at $25, $50 and $200.

The board approved hiring part-time deputy Davonte Kagler at a rate of $14.06 per hour, effective June 1, 2026. Michael Harrell moved to authorize the hire; David Guillory seconded and there was no opposition.

Maintenance staffing and pay were also addressed. Maintenance Superintendent Matt Leggett proposed reducing the budgeted headcount and requested a $1/hour raise for five crew members to achieve near-term savings. Michael Harrell moved to give the five maintenance employees a $1/hour raise effective July 1, 2026; William Free seconded. James McCrory abstained from the vote; otherwise the motion passed.

The board adopted a Municipal Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) resolution required for DEQ reporting and amended the town’s new-hire health insurance policy so that coverage for new employees becomes effective immediately upon hire; employees who opt out must sign a waiver acknowledging re-enrollment is limited to open enrollment periods.

Chief/Marshal Mitch Harrell also recognized officers for certifications and awards, saying, “He is proud of our officers and what they are doing for this community.” The meeting closed after a short code-enforcement update and appointment of counsel to handle service-of-process for absentee property owners involved in a demolition grant process.

Votes at a glance: - Cooperative policing agreement with Clinton Police Department — motion to authorize mayor to sign; mover: William Free; second: David Guillory; outcome: approved (no opposition). (See SEG 014.) - Ordinance: Add Chapter 10, Article V, False Alarms — motion to adopt with revised fee schedule; mover: Michael Harrell; second: James McCrory; outcome: adopted. Fee schedule set at $25, $50, $200. (See SEG 015–018.) - Hire part-time deputy Davonte Kagler at $14.06/hr, effective June 1, 2026 — mover: Michael Harrell; second: David Guillory; outcome: approved. (See SEG 019–020.) - Maintenance crew pay: $1/hour raise for five employees effective July 1, 2026 — mover: Michael Harrell; second: William Free; outcome: approved; James McCrory abstained. (See SEG 030–032.) - MWPP resolution (DEQ reporting) — mover: William Free; second: David Guillory; outcome: adopted. (See SEG 027–028.) - Insurance policy amendment (new hires' coverage effective immediately; opt-out waiver required) — mover: Michael Harrell; second: James McCrory; outcome: approved. (See SEG 033.) - Appointment of attorney to handle service-of-process for absentee property owners (for demolition grant) — mover: Michael Harrell; second: William Free; outcome: approved. (See SEG 039.)

The board adjourned at 7:15 p.m.