News Flash

This week the Fire Department responded to twenty (20) calls for service.  Eight (8) calls were in the City and twelve (12) were in the County.  There were three (3) grass fires, two (2) vehicle fires, eight (8) EMS calls, one (1) vehicle accident, one (1) environmental call, and one (1) fire alarm.  Three (3) calls were dispatched and canceled enroute, and one (1) call where no incident was found upon arrival of the scene.  

Parks and Recreation Department assisted the Distribution and Collection Department with repairs to a fire hydrant.  They also maintained the property around City Call, Twin Lakes Activity Center and the airport.

Les Guthrie, Supervisor for Water and Wastewater Department attended a meeting with TXDOT regarding ongoing planning for expansion of the intersection of 281 South, and 380 East. The Assistant City Manager and Fire Chief, Chief Jennings also met with TXDOT regarding this project to discuss options for the City to relocate the "Welcome to Jacksboro" sign on the south end of town.

Several of the senior staff members attended a quarterly Regional Texas Municipal League (TML) conference in Vernon on Thursday evening.  The City of Jacksboro will be hosting the meeting in January 2025.  The regional TML meetings provide an excellent opportunity for all the member cities in our region to discuss issues and help problem solve.  The keynote speaker was from the mental health hospital in Vernon and provided some excellent insight into many of the issues surrounding mental health and specifically obtaining mental health treatment for our residents if needed.  This issue has been very important to the County Judge, as well as the Chief of Police and Fire Chief for the past several years.

I attended a Texas Health Benefits (TXHB) Pool Board of Directors meeting.  Four years ago, TXHB formed a separate board to provide re-insurance to the TXHB pool of member cities.  This has helped the pool to increase member equity, as well has help balance health care rates over a long period of time.

The Animal Control Officer attended the monthly meeting with the Friends of the Animal Shelter to discuss ongoing and newly planned efforts to expand the Animal Shelter within budgetary constraints.  They are planning a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Dog Park as soon as possible.

The Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer completed thirteen (13) inspections and/or plan reviews.

Distribution and Collection responded to twenty-five (25) calls for service.  We want to especially send a huge "Thank You" to our County Attorney, Brad Dixon, and his wife, Sandra, for taking care of the Distribution and Collection Department and Parks Department for going above and beyond while they repaired a broken water line late into the evening.  Mr. and Mrs. Dixon fed the employees, kept them hydrated, and provided plenty of "treats".  Thank you to both of them for supporting our City employees.

Upcoming Events:

Our Employee Spotlight of the Week is Les Guthrie.  Les is the Supervisor for the Water Treatment Plant, the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Distribution and Collection Department.  Les has been with the City for over a decade and brings a wealth of information to our water and wastewater departments.  He is always willing to do whatever is needed to ensure not only his departments are taking care of their responsibilities, but also willingly helps out other departments as needed.

Our next City Council meeting is October 27^th at 5:30.

Respectfully,

Mike S.