Jackson — Mayor John Horhn defended the contract for Police Chief Dr. RaShall Brackney in a statement this week, calling her “among the best in the business” and acknowledging city council concerns amid a budget shortfall.
“Jackson needs the best in the business to lead crime-fighting here, and I believe that Chief Brackney is among the best in the business,” Horhn said. “When you have the opportunity to grab talent like that, you often have to incentivize them to take the job.” He said his administration is aware of concerns about the cost of the contract and the city’s financial constraints.
Horhn said the city is exploring a philanthropic funding option to help meet the terms of Brackney’s agreement, but that details of any arrangement are still being worked out. He said his goal is to resolve the matter in a way that is financially responsible and in the city’s best interest.
Horhn pointed to a pattern of partnerships with corporate, nonprofit and philanthropic groups to fund infrastructure, cultural events and public safety efforts. “Public-private partnerships have been a defining feature of this Administration from day one,” he said. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
