Jacksonville City Council voted unanimously Aug. 12 to appoint Helana Parola as director of the Planning and Development Department.

Parola, a member of the department since 1998, has served in the director role on an interim basis since mid-April. Mayor Donna Deegan nominated her to lead the department June 4.

Council voted 18-0 to approve Parola’s nomination. The vote came on Resolution 2025-0476, with member Tyrona Clark Murray not present.

Council member Rory Diamond called the Planning and Development Department “a mess” and identified it as the top source of calls he receives from dissatisfied constituents. He said he supported Parola for her knowledge of the city and her experience in the local municipal government.

“I really hope she can get in there and build a new staff and g

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