Mayor, new council members sworn in

A new Mayor and two new aldermen took office during Monday night’s Jacksboro council meeting.

Mayor Joe Mitchell and Place 4 alderman Joel Hood were sworn in following the canvassing of votes. Place 2 alderman Brandon R. Sisson was not at the meeting and will be sworn in at a later date.

Former Mayor Alton Morris Jr. thanked the council and city staff for their work during his time as mayor and knows he’s is leaving the city in great hands.

Melanie Belcher, whom Sisson is replacing on the dais, said it was an honor and a privilege to serve the city. She hopes to help the city grow and continue to make Jacksboro a great place.

In his opening comments, Mitchell thanked Morris and Belcher for their time and “knows we’ll see them both again.”

In a related item, Belcher was appointed to the Board of Zoning Adjustments.

He says communication will be key to the future success of the city and vows to keep things transparent in what the city does.

In other news, the Rural Volunteer Fire Department has received a $13,500 grant an assistance program to be used for bunker gear. City Manager Mike Smith said the City budgeted $21,000 for five sets of the gear in the present budget. The additional money will help buy some as well or could be used toward the purchase of a $62,000 air compressor which went out.

The department has some of the money and received other donations from the VISION organization and other groups.