The people of Mount Jackson are served by a Mayor and Town Council form of government, elected to 4-year terms on a rotation so that elections are held every two years.  The most recent election was held 11/8/22 for Town Mayor and Town Council taking effect 1/1/23.  Town staff administer the Town Code and manage the business of the town and council.

The public is welcome to attend and comment at Town Council meetings, which are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Council Chambers, located at 5901 Main Street.  Council members also serve on additional committees (see below).  Liaisons from the council also serve alongside residents on the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Authority.
For a schedule of committee meetings and agendas or minutes, see the meetings and minutes page.

We currently have two openings on the Board of Zoning Appeals and two openings on the Economic Development Authority.
Community Service Application

Mayor, Donald I. Pifer
Mayor Pifer’s contact number is 540-477-3735 and his email is mayor@mountjackson.com.

Town Council Members
Mayor Donald I. Pifer ’26 – 540-477-3735
Vice Mayor Rod Shepherd ’24 – 540-477-4499
Allen “Al” Asbury ’24 – 540-630-3430
Evelyn Burner ’24 – 540-325-1082
Judy Fultz ’26 – 540-335-2033
Bonnie Good ’26 – 540-333-1101
Todd Holtzman ’26 – 540-325-6084

Town Council Committees
Finance – Rod Shepherd, Chair
Ordinance – Evelyn Burner, Chair
Public Services – Bonnie Good, Chair
Personnel – Todd Holtzman, Chair
Public Properties and Facilities – Judy Fultz, Chair
Public Safety – Al Asbury, Chair

Planning Commission Members
Chair – Larry Ambrose ’24 – 540-477-3494
Vice-Chair – Anita Miller ’25 – 540-477-2708
Evelyn Burner ’24 – 540-325-1082
Karen Costie ’24 – 770-364-5085
Jim Hines ’26 – 540-477-3556

Town Staff
To reach the staff, call 540-477-2121, or email info@mountjackson.com, or come by the Town Office Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm.
Town Manager – Olivia Hilton
Assistant Town Manager – Greg Beam
Finance Director – Mario Rosso
HR Manager – Jennifer Frye
Town Clerk/Administrative Assistant – Barbie Riggleman
Assistant Town Treasurer – Debbie Allen
Office Assistant – Susan Maziarz

Police Department
For emergencies call 911
For other inquiries call 540-477-2242.

Chief of Police Keith Cowart
Sergeant Mark Johnson
Investigator Christina Whorton
Officer James Penwell
Officer Christopher Burns
Officer Stephanie Fullingim
Officer Logan Baker

For contacts and details about the Town’s Water and Sewer service, see the Public Works page.

Welcome to Mount Jackson!  There are many ways to get involved in the life of the town.  Town Staff will be happy to answer your questions about government services, including business permits, land use questions, and public works (water, sewer and trash).

Mount Jackson lies near the center of the Shenandoah Valley, only 90 minutes from Northern Virginia and Washington D.C.  We welcome and encourage business to our town for the community success and employment opportunities business brings.

To learn more about starting a business in Mount Jackson, call the Town Office at 540-477-2121 to set up a meeting.  For additional information on the region, visit the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce.

Business Licenses

There is a $30 fee for the zoning permit and this form will be reviewed by the town manager.  Approval of the zoning permit must occur before a business license can be issued.  Forms may be picked up at the town office and there is a $20 fee for a new business license.  *Fees must be paid by cash, check, or money order only.
Peddler’s and Solicitor’s licenses require notarization and a background check.  Please be certain to bring necessary identification.

Established businesses will be mailed their renewal form to fill out each year.  The due date for the form is March 1st and is considered delinquent if it has not been received in the town office by March 2nd.  All town taxes must be paid and up to date before a business may receive their Business License.  Once the form is mailed in with the payment, the business owner will then receive their Business License.  If you are no longer doing business in Mount Jackson, it is necessary for you to mark the renewal form “Final Return” with the date the business closed and the gross receipts listed included with the payment.  *Fees must be paid by cash, check, or money order only.

Business License – $20
Application available at Town Office.

Solicitor’s Permit – $50
Application available at Town Office.  See Code Sec. 18-81 and 18-147

Peddler’s Permit – $125-$250
Application available at Town Office.  See Code Sec. 18-81 and 18-147

Land Use Tax Application $10 (Late Application Fee $20)
Application available at Town Office.

For Planning and Zoning details, see the Planning and Zoning page.

In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call 540-477-2121 for the voicemail contact message on how to reach our Public Works personnel.

The Town of Mount Jackson provides water, sewer, and trash service to most of the residents and businesses to properties located within the town limits.

Establishing new water and sewer service:
To request service, visit the Town Office at 5901 Main Street from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm to complete a service application.  Prior to completing a service application, the tenant must have the required Landlord Authorization Form submitted by the homeowner and sent to the town office.  The Town of Mount Jackson requires a $250.00 security deposit for any tenant or homeowner moving into a residence within town limits.  This deposit is paid upfront at the Town Office when submitting a service application.  Effective February 19, 2021, we will no longer accept credit card payments for security deposits.  Security deposits must be paid by cash, check, or money order.  Please arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. to set up a new water account.

For a homeowner, the deposit is returned after 13 consecutive months of prompt payments.  For a tenant, the deposit is only returned when the individual moves from Mount Jackson.  A forwarding address is required, and the deposit minus the final billing will be mailed within 4 to 6 weeks.

About your water bill:
The meters are read on a business day near the 20th of each month.  The meters are read in thousands with a 2,000 gallon minimum.

Bills are mailed out the last business day of each month and are due the 15th of each month.  Late bills incur a 10% penalty plus an additional $3 processing fee.  Services will be disconnected if late bills are not paid by the 24th of each month (with the penalty fee) unless arrangements have been made in advance.

Payments:
Payments may be dropped off in the night deposit box to the right of the south-side door at Town Center.  Credit cards are not accepted in person at the Town Office, but can be paid online or by calling a toll free phone number.  Returned check or automatic debit payments with insufficient funds incur a $50 fee.
Utility Billing Payment Plan

Water / Sewer / Trash rates:
Effective July 1, 2024, water is billed at $8.10 per thousand and sewer at $14.24 per thousand for in-town customers.  Water is billed at $12.13 per thousand and sewer at $21.37 per thousand for customers outside town limits.

Residential trash rate is $14.68 and the commercial trash rate is $17.51.

The Town of Mount Jackson does not prorate the water bill.  If the Town is unable to reach the meter because of a loose dog or an automobile blocking access, the meter reading will be an estimate for that month.

Large Trash:
A special pick-up takes place quarterly (January, April, July, October) for residents to dispose of large items.  We WILL NOT pick up chemicals, paint, liquids, loose brush, tires, tv’s, computers, or anything in garbage/plastic bags.

Public information:
Water and Sewer Contacts:
Town Office  540-477-2121
Sewage Treatment Plant  540-477-3225
Maintenance Shop  540-477-9737

Public Works Department:
Public Works Supervisor – Randy Lonas
Roger Riggleman
Eli Proctor
Zach Foley
Dakota Stroop

Water/Wastewater Department:
Water/Wastewater Supervisor – Joey Blankenship
Riese Painter
Eric Schmidt

In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call 540-477-2121 for the voicemail contact message on how to reach our Public Works personnel.

The Town of Mount Jackson provides water, sewer, and trash service to most of the residents and businesses to properties located within the town limits.

Establishing new water and sewer service:
To request service, visit the Town Office at 5901 Main Street from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm to complete a service application.  Prior to completing a service application, the tenant must have the required Landlord Authorization Form submitted by the homeowner and sent to the town office.  The Town of Mount Jackson requires a $250.00 security deposit for any tenant or homeowner moving into a residence within town limits.  This deposit is paid upfront at the Town Office when submitting a service application.  Effective February 19, 2021, we will no longer accept credit card payments for security deposits.  Security deposits must be paid by cash, check, or money order.  Please arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. to set up a new water account.

For a homeowner, the deposit is returned after 13 consecutive months of prompt payments.  For a tenant, the deposit is only returned when the individual moves from Mount Jackson.  A forwarding address is required, and the deposit minus the final billing will be mailed within 4 to 6 weeks.

About your water bill:
The meters are read on a business day near the 20th of each month.  The meters are read in thousands with a 2,000 gallon minimum.

Bills are mailed out the last business day of each month and are due the 15th of each month.  Late bills incur a 10% penalty plus an additional $3 processing fee.  Services will be disconnected if late bills are not paid by the 24th of each month (with the penalty fee) unless arrangements have been made in advance.

Payments:
Payments may be dropped off in the night deposit box to the right of the south-side door at Town Center.  Credit cards are not accepted in person at the Town Office, but can be paid online or by calling a toll free phone number.  Returned check or automatic debit payments with insufficient funds incur a $50 fee.
Utility Billing Payment Plan

Water / Sewer / Trash rates:
Effective July 1, 2024, water is billed at $8.10 per thousand and sewer at $14.24 per thousand for in-town customers.  Water is billed at $12.13 per thousand and sewer at $21.37 per thousand for customers outside town limits.
Residential trash rate is $14.68 and the commercial trash rate is $17.51.
The Town of Mount Jackson does not prorate the water bill.  If the Town is unable to reach the meter because of a loose dog or an automobile blocking access, the meter reading will be an estimate for that month.

Large Trash:
A special pick-up takes place quarterly (January, April, July, October) for residents to dispose of large items.  We WILL NOT pick up chemicals, paint, liquids, loose brush, tires, tv’s, computers, or anything in garbage/plastic bags.

Public information:
Water and Sewer Contacts:
Town Office  540-477-2121
Sewage Treatment Plant  540-477-3225
Maintenance Shop  540-477-9737

Public Works Department
Public Works Supervisor – Randy Lonas
Roger Riggleman
Eli Proctor
Zach Foley
Dakota Stroop

Water/Wastewater Department
Water/Wastewater Supervisor – Joey Blankenship
Riese Painter
Eric Schmidt

The Personal Property and Real Estate files are provided by Shenandoah County and are based on the information listed with DMV.  Please be certain to keep your DMV information up to date to avoid incorrect tax billing.  The Town of Mount Jackson uses this information for their tax bills, which are only billed ONCE a year, mailed October to November 2023, due January 31, 2024.  DMV stops will be placed on delinquent personal property accounts on February 29, 2024.  This will incur an additional $50.00 DMV stop fee.  When paying delinquent taxes that have a DMV stop, the stop will be lifted within 24 hours.  Stops are placed annually and are not vehicle specific.

Personal Property Tax – $.85 per $100 assessed value

Real Estate Tax – $.13 per $100 assessed value

Car Decals – Car decals are $25 annually, motorcycles are $15, and trailers are $10.  Decals are not replaced each year. These amounts are billed on your personal property tax bill.

Cigarette Tax – 45 cents/pack; 25 cents/pack for packs less than 20 cigarettes;
$25 per roll Registered Agent Discount

Motel Tax – 5%

Meals Tax – 5.5%

Residents are welcome to attend or sign up to speak at meetings of the Town Council, Planning Commission, and Economic Development Authority.  A schedule of meetings can be viewed on the Mount Jackson Calendar.  Meetings are held in the Council Chamber in the Town Hall building at 5901 Main Street, unless otherwise noted.  Citizens may provide comments to be added to the record in lieu of speaking by emailing townoffice@mountjackson.com prior to the announced time and date of the applicable public hearing.

To inquire about joining the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, or Economic Development Authority, call the Town Office at 540-477-2121.

For meeting minutes from 2013-2023 see the Archive Minutes page.

Town Council Agendas and Minutes
Meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm in the Council Chamber at Town Hall.

Town Council Committees
Finance – Rod Shepherd, Chair
Ordinance – Evelyn Burner, Chair
Personnel – Todd Holtzman, Chair
Public Safety – Al Asbury, Chair
Public Services – Bonnie Good, Chair
Public Properties & Facilities – Judy Fultz, Chair

Economic Development Authority Agendas and Minutes
Meets on an ad hoc basis.

The mission of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) is to promote industry and develop trade by inducing entrepreneurs to locate, remain, and expand in Mount Jackson and within the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The EDA is authorized to issue bonds for the purpose of obtaining and constructing facilities.  In addition, the EDA’s revolving loan fund exists to aid small-to-medium sized organizations create new permanent employment and expand existing business in Mount Jackson.

Rick Koontz, Chair
Mike Jones, Vice-Chair
Mike Koontz
Steve Povlish
Rod Shepherd

Planning Commission Agendas and Minutes
Meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30pm (except holidays) in the Council Chamber at Town Hall.

The purpose of the Planning Commission is to maintain the growth and development of the Town of Mount Jackson by utilizing and prioritizing the Comprehensive Plan.  This committee of volunteers guides the Town Council in their decision making, keeping the distinctive character, history, and sense of community intact.

Larry Ambrose, Chair
Anita Miller, Vice-Chair
Evelyn Burner
Jim Hines
Karen Costie

Advisory Liasons

Shentel – Rod Shepherd

Physical Address:  5901 Main Street, Mount Jackson, VA 22842
Mailing Address:  PO Box 487, Mount Jackson, VA 22842
Phone:  (540) 477-2121
Fax:  (540) 477-2351
Town Office Hours:
Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM

Blog – “A Well Preserved Gem”

Planning a weekend with the family or a day trip to Mount Jackson?  Stop by the Certified Visitors Center to find out about well-loved local attractions and some hidden gems!  The Mount Jackson Visitors Center is located in Town Center at 5901 Main Street and is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM.

The Mount Jackson Museum, located in the visitor center building, is open Thursdays thru Saturdays 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM March to Mid-December, and closed Mid-December to March.  The museum offers an impressive collection of relics from Mount Jackson’s days gone by.  Volunteers are on hand to offer their knowledge of the history that has taken place in this wonderful community.

Visit Mount Jackson Hometown Partnership for Town Events

If you prefer to plan your trip online, here are just some of the local attractions:

Arts
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival

History
Meems Bottom Covered Bridge
New Market Battlefield
Shenandoah County Historical Society

Outdoors
Northern Virginia 4H Educational Center
Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive
Shenandoah Caverns
Shenandoah River Adventures
Shenandoah Family Campground

More
Senior Citizen Guide
Route 11 Potato Chip Factory
Shrine Mont

Physical Address:  5901 Main Street, Mount Jackson, VA 22842
Mailing Address:  PO Box 487, Mount Jackson, VA 22842
Phone:  (540) 477-2121
Fax:  (540) 477-2351
Town Office Hours:
Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM

Blog – “A Well Preserved Gem”

Planning a weekend with the family or a day trip to Mount Jackson?  Stop by the Certified Visitors Center to find out about well-loved local attractions and some hidden gems!  The Mount Jackson Visitors Center is located in Town Center at 5901 Main Street and is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM.

The Mount Jackson Museum, located in the visitor center building, is open Thursdays thru Saturdays 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM March to Mid-December, and closed Mid-December to March.  The museum offers an impressive collection of relics from Mount Jackson’s days gone by.  Volunteers are on hand to offer their knowledge of the history that has taken place in this wonderful community.

Visit Mount Jackson Hometown Partnership for Town Events

If you prefer to plan your trip online, here are just some of the local attractions:

Arts
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival

History
Meems Bottom Covered Bridge
New Market Battlefield
Shenandoah County Historical Society

Outdoors
Northern Virginia 4H Educational Center
Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive
Shenandoah Caverns
Shenandoah River Adventures
Shenandoah Family Campground

More
Senior Citizen Guide
Route 11 Potato Chip Factory
Shrine Mont

August 15, 2024 — Mount Jackson Town Council Considers Proposal to Incorporate Library as Town Department.
Click here to read the press release.

August 13, 2024 — Mount Jackson Introduces the MOUNT JACKSON 5
Click here to read the press release.

July 1, 2024 — Calls for Artistic Proposals for a Landmark LOVE Sign. Click here to read the press release.
For more information, please see the Special Events section.

June 25, 2024 — Mount Jackson Receives $50,000 Grant to Support MOUNT JACKSON FIVE Initiative
Click here to read the press release.