Jacksonville City Manager Under Fire After May 3rd Election—Citizens Unhappy

JACKSONVILLE, Texas (TXAN 24) — A growing number of Jacksonville and Cherokee County residents are outraged after learning too late about a recent Municipal Development District (MDD) proposal election held on May 3rd. Of the 2,800 eligible voters, only about 380 participated, and the measure was ultimately voted down.

Some residents, like one who spoke out publicly and appeared in a KETK/FOX51 interview, say they were only made aware of the election through a last-minute Facebook post by City Manager James Hubbard. By then, it was “too little, too late.”

Many are now calling for more transparency from city officials, criticizing what they view as a quiet push to pass a tax-related proposal without proper community awareness. “We The People of Jacksonville demand better communication,” the resident stated. “We’re struggling out here — and now they want to tax us more and control county land too?”

According to a newscast by FOX51, Hubbard responded about the proposal, reportedly telling their reporter Tori Bean, “I really don’t care if it passes or fails. It’s not that big of a deal.”

But to many voters — it is…

Frustration is boiling over into demands: for better public notice, more direct communication, and accountability from those in power.

TXAN 24 News will be reaching out to the City of Jacksonville for comment.