This week we finalized the proposed budget for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025. The Council will discuss and vote on a final budget and tax rate at the next meeting on Monday.
The Jacksboro Fire Department responded to fourteen (14) calls for service. Seven (7) of the calls were in the City, and seven (7) were in the county. There were seven (7) EMS calls, two (2) motor vehicle accidents, and two (2) environmental calls. Three (3) calls were dispatched and canceled in route.
The Parks and Recreation Department delivered and picked up three (3) roll-off trash dumpsters, mowed the gun range and the Animal Shelter, as well as the soccer fields and areas around the lake. They also dug a trench at the Animal Shelter in preparation for installing a water line to the new Cat Habitat that has been ordered. Additionally they sprayed for mosquitoes during the evening.
The Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer conducted two building inspections and reported numerous properties for high grass and weeds. Additionally he attended a Planning and Zoning meeting regarding a request for an RV Park.
The Water Department continued to monitor the discoloration of the water in the distribution system. We had several meetings with an engineering firm that specializes in water treatment. We test the water on a regular basis and it is okay to drink. The lake recently "turned over" which has caused some oxidation in the distribution system. We have been flushing the distribution lines around town, and also started a "burn-out" last night. Our normal disinfectant is a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, which creates chloramines. During a burn-out, we remove the ammonia and treat with straight chlorine. We will continue to flush at multiple fire hydrants to remove the old water and replace it with chlorine treated water. As a result, the water may develop a distinctive chlorine smell, however the water quality will remain good. We anticipate seeing a significant improvement early next week.
In addition to working on the water quality, our Distribution and Collection Crew responded to thirty (31) calls for service.
Our Employee Spotlight of the Week is Hanna Atkinson. Hanna's primary job is Finance Director. This is one of her busiest times of the year as she is not only preparing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, but she is also working diligently to close out the current fiscal year. As soon as that is completed, she will begin working on our financial audit.
September is a busy month. I wanted to include a reminder of a few upcoming events:
City-wide Garage Sale: September 25-27
Homecoming: September 26
Sesquicentennial Celebration: September 27
Third Annual Fly-In: September 27
Our next Council Meeting is Monday, September 8th at 5:30.
Respectfully,
Mike S.
MICHAEL R. SMITH, Lt Col, USAF (ret)
City Manager