Longtime Jacksonville Alderman and Former Police Chief Don Cook Resigns

Longtime Jacksonville alderman Don Cook told colleagues at the close of the Jan. 26 city council meeting that the session would be his last, saying, "It's time to let someone else take the reins." Cook submitted a letter of resignation to Mayor Andy Ezard last month and agreed to remain on the council through January, though his exact final day was not specified.

Cook brings deep institutional memory to city hall. He has served the city for 54 years, first as a police officer, later as Jacksonville police chief, and for about 14 and a half years as an alderman. He currently serves as finance committee chairman. Cook told the council he is "ready to enjoy no schedule," and his wife, Patty Cook, is a retired long-time worker at the Morgan County courthouse.

The resignation came amid routine council business: the body gave first reading to a $65.5 million appropriations ordinance at the same meeting. The ordinance gives the city permission to spend the money and typically runs about 10-percent higher than the budget, a procedural figure that shapes how departments plan for the fiscal year. With Cook stepping away from the finance committee chairmanship at a moment when appropriations are being finalized, the council and mayor will need to ensure continuity in budget oversight.

Mayor Ezard described Cook as "invaluable" and credited him with helping build the city's cash reserves, noting Cook's role in Jacksonville's financial stewardship. It will be up to Mayor Andy Ezard to find a replacement on the council following Cook's resignation, and the process and timetable for filling the vacancy were not detailed at the meeting.

For residents, Cook's departure matters both symbolically and practically. His long tenure connects multiple eras of city government, and his exit will reshape leadership on fiscal matters as the council moves from first reading toward a final appropriations ordinance. The upcoming weeks are likely to include a mayoral appointment or other steps to fill the seat, decisions that will influence council votes on the budget and local priorities.

As the city transitions, watch for announcements from Mayor Ezard on the replacement process and for council action to reassign finance responsibilities. The council's handling of the vacancy and the final passage of the appropriations ordinance will determine how smoothly Jacksonville moves into the next fiscal year.