[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6305227,"mediaKeyId","2449611-8c9cd8b51059f833cc7a358d9fdd71a5","parentId",2449611,"title","Votes at a glance: appointments, licenses and routine approvals — Jones County commission, Jan. 17, 2017","audioSeconds",3216,"startMs",372000,"endMs",3588000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2449611-8c9cd8b51059f833cc7a358d9fdd71a5&start=372&end=3588","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2449611-8c9cd8b51059f833cc7a358d9fdd71a5/thumbnail_372000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6305227/Jones-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-appointments-licenses-and-routine-approvals-Jones-County-commission-Jan-17-2017","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305227-cc8e9107d13ad6f130b0a7f184a80523/orig.mp4?Expires=1773225899&Signature=flcjOy~9XSF9x3CS7iE7xxgkywmLNu3OfuO4LOtpxgVRuVHfkSEwoW3H1~pn2Qqltc7regqfN5qhxNaqISfW7MQlulzqmTc5V1tb3Y3fKFoDXj4bWTQhJzjLVzVg-xgWGgPcUyBg~U50iAQKombBoeDmgFPPfJC6rQCjkD2EXcAVwiyXp6Fo~4jCO0yroeCN0pKCcn1MUC8I7U6ziu1vtSqF3esFVZadf7q-WlmQLo1k6aBmT7SeycLTSUGdwma-oOVRrJPdDEV9bQKHMbGXXmVQYgOqSVcHEQQhQHPp-i7zMeIqcoFJs1fVwlrlzCJt-XCzYImJDlL7NOV5uIGHbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-27T14:01:21Z","article","At its Jan. 17 meeting, the Jones County Board of Commissioners recorded a series of motions and voice votes on appointments, reappointments, licenses and routine business. The board also denied a rehearing request on a conditional-use rezoning and set a retreat date.

Key outcomes

- Vice chairman: Commissioners elected Sam Kitchen as vice chairman by voice vote.

- Board and commission reappointments: The board approved reappointments for Beth Baker (Appeals & Adjustment Board, term ending Feb. 2018), Arlene Hamilton (Historic Preservation Board, term ending Aug. 31, 2018), Jason McSwain (Historic Preservation Board, term ending Aug. 31, 2017) and Clifford Bowen (Historic Preservation Board, term ending Aug. 31, 2019). The board also appointed Larry Jackson to the planning and zoning board to replace Bill Dewberry.

- Consent agenda: The board approved execution of the solid waste agreement with Twist Counter (replacement agreement approved; staff described changes as insignificant).

- Alcohol and beer-wine licenses: The board voted to deny the beer-and-wine license application for M and J Food Mart (applicant: Neli Benj Patel) because of inconsistencies and residency-related issues cited by staff. The board recommended and approved the beer-and-wine license for Baba Food Mart Incorporated (2676 Grama Highway) after staff recommended approval.

- Rehearing request: The board denied a request for a rehearing by Ricardo and Melena Belcher concerning a conditional-use rezoning for 387 Pulaski Street; staff advised a denied rehearing would require the applicants to wait six months to reapply.

- Department head attendance: The board approved a change so department heads are required to attend commission meetings only when the county administrator requests their presence or when items affecting their departments are on the agenda.

- Retreat: The board approved holding the March retreat locally (dates proposed in March; board agreed to hold the retreat at the county facility to save cost).

- Purchasing policies: The board discussed purchasing-policy limits; staff will return with draft ordinance language for consideration at a future meeting or retreat.

Procedural notes: Most votes were taken by voice; specific roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript for these items. Items that require formal ordinance or contract awards will return to the board for final action as needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Jones County Georgia Commissioner Meeting non edit","oneSentenceSummary","A summary of motions and outcomes recorded at the Jan. 17 Jones County Board of Commissioners meeting, including appointments, reappointments, approval of a solid-waste agreement, alcohol license actions, retreat scheduling and department attendance policy.","taxTitle","Jones County, Georgia","taxId",28422,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6305232,"Jones County approves tax commissioner's routine protocol updates",85,580000,665000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2449611-8c9cd8b51059f833cc7a358d9fdd71a5&start=580&end=665","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2449611-8c9cd8b51059f833cc7a358d9fdd71a5/thumbnail_580000.jpg","/articles/6305232/Jones-County/Georgia/Jones-County-approves-tax-commissioners-routine-protocol-updates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305232-21b54e7296fd5e630d7a0ea8620dabdd/orig.mp4?Expires=1773225899&Signature=hac0XMlXmQQhLivSAiwKtHewQNQRvjbsiPp8BbK6JyCruat8u2rOXvDEH-hKOvNKtIcCoqljH1RpdhLCPUbkSQmJp6vwTrYE0MfAz96FShMebsahHrOhu-h3tDlgzusEJnrzOEKQUZ89rSwnEjqmeW9HUGG1Dqox3XKWXtdG-Fero~G8lA-hjIw~95RaZia13bt2cOEZbTWCOKKzVjp~EHWed4urKvj9rZx5HbI~R4afqdQLQ13mX63BUw9lx2D25jTzSw6q~eI992PP~QSe~f3lzUuVCCq2tLOit9DYEdNM25ZrHJzhaF9UBbVzuZ2~rAC96f2o-iCqjtldmGBO8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jones County commissioners on Jan. 17 voted to approve a set of routine administrative requests from the tax commissioner's office that staff said are housekeeping items submitted at the start of each four‑year term.

County staff summarized five requests: adoption of a payment schedule, authority to waive tax bills under $1, clarification of acceptable methods of payment, authority to correct clerical billing errors, and authority to remove property from the tax digest when it is no longer in the county (for example, vehicles or boats moved out of county). Staff said the requests do not change current practice but formalize recurring administrative actions.

Commissioners approved the items by voice vote after staff explained the intent and scope. No additional conditions were attached at the meeting; staff will proceed under the approved protocols.","The commission approved five housekeeping items from the tax commissioner including payment schedule, waiver authority for tax bills under $1, accepted payment methods, clerical error correction authority and removing property from the digest when taxpayers move out of county.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6305237,"Jones County delays adoption of minimum housing standards, sends code to work session",743,1365000,2108000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2449611-8c9cd8b51059f833cc7a358d9fdd71a5&start=1365&end=2108","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2449611-8c9cd8b51059f833cc7a358d9fdd71a5/thumbnail_1365000.jpg","/articles/6305237/Jones-County/Georgia/Jones-County-delays-adoption-of-minimum-housing-standards-sends-code-to-work-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305237-44d2cc610c4180ca1129b8ea8e9499f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1773225899&Signature=XT5oy8edr0jy3Lo8aMY3Vl3VlcSKCMk7mEVtLLsff3tTKtCDJAJCNAw9Kxa5yw5oITRC1VkQGf1hVrSCeAv1vGcxO9MVygXHtQ2ciOLdm-lt~~XwYTxHUYuH3gE7sIqCwXSvNvXTfaUVvF~CSoam8BF9qTLKRU-VcZYYUxlhvSXA4Opb3r1~mb99M1zGIEpSIRu1ni3Pl56UGOUu8o8yfYvGdj3bFvsieoVO8kPkLlWZask9Y4gCQd98Msu1IAvP-dN3jf77pYpZrfhlyd4fns0c4Z~upmyRlTZTpHm38zRBLpcBeutrNMhpsv-bc5wE0p4S8PzvT2JLhfc3PN2tfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jones County commissioners on Jan. 17 discussed adopting a minimum housing standard based on the International Property Maintenance Code and voted to send the proposal to a work session for further study rather than immediately adopting the code.

Commissioner Martin introduced the item, saying the county lacks a consistent standard for occupied housing and that an adopted maintenance code would create recourse for unsafe rental or owner-occupied homes. Staff and commissioners noted the county previously adopted a scaled-back approach that applies only to vacant structures; occupied properties are currently exempt under the county's existing rules.

Speakers stressed enforcement and funding questions. County staff explained the state of Georgia permits counties to adopt the model International Property Maintenance Code but commonly deletes the administration portion; if Jones County adopted the code, the commission would need to create an administrative/enforcement framework and identify staff and funding to carry out inspections, notices and potential enforcement actions. Commissioners also raised concerns about imposing mandates on low‑income homeowners who lack resources for repairs and suggested pairing any adoption with available grant programs (the board discussed a CHIP program that could help homeowners apply for funds).

Because the state-optional version of the code lacks an administration section, commissioners asked staff to return to a work session with recommendations on how Jones County would administer and fund enforcement, whether the code should apply to primary homes or only to rental and vacant structures, and what additional staff or budget would be required. A motion to adopt was amended to schedule a work session; commissioners agreed to pursue more information before a final vote.

The board did not adopt the code at the meeting; staff will prepare options, enforcement scenarios and cost estimates for a future work session.","Commissioners agreed to study adopting the International Property Maintenance Code but deferred final adoption to a work session so staff can detail enforcement, administration and funding implications.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6305242,"Jones County approves request-for-proposals for new digital VHF radio system",625,721000,1346000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2449611-8c9cd8b51059f833cc7a358d9fdd71a5&start=721&end=1346","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2449611-8c9cd8b51059f833cc7a358d9fdd71a5/thumbnail_721000.jpg","/articles/6305242/Jones-County/Georgia/Jones-County-approves-request-for-proposals-for-new-digital-VHF-radio-system","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305242-029eab090a03b894a6908c7de7c55bf1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773225899&Signature=lIw6RATTjHsUeBfbKNIeWdqOB170uioEYisc6u84~WJ38jvGUxymwowHvAhF0ErFIsis8Y2ULRAFP7H~8FLtgfNlEo6LmitaxcRwy4O8gCw1aQEfv0Fn91uPjfSnzR2wg8Fjn8LsfYp3QVQBAQErb6gVAMK-6Hlp1LxvuWjV0U7~uSQ9J1fMe3~8mLeHq0XrEsX6woqKPKKrjTJY08tjEtCVjK3sdrE8sgStsV3UOKwTfS-03KLNnPKFAQD4ZJffoFc310663RMdLuHdZu-xBCMBBuJiAwNloJrWgqJA24cwCl50xcGq3bPOzHePJpCPnq2~4PnYG6F4OEoHBFBMjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jones County commissioners on Jan. 17 authorized staff to solicit competitive proposals to upgrade the county's radio communications to a digital VHF system and to solicit pricing that could allow other local agencies to purchase radios through the same procurement.

County officials said the procurement will focus on replacing aging portable and mobile radios, adding repeaters and coax where needed, and using several existing towers already in place. Sheriff and fire interoperability and serviceability were cited as driving factors for the upgrade; staff provided a line-item list of portables, mobiles, repeaters and other equipment to guide bidders.

The decision follows a presentation from county staff explaining that a full new system could cost roughly $200,000–$300,000 if components are reused, but launching a completely new, ground-up bid could climb toward $500,000. Staff recommended using a request for proposals/quotes process tailored to the county's needs so commissioners could review specific equipment lists, warranties and response commitments before awarding work.

Commissioners discussed vendor service expectations. The draft specifications included a requirement that a contractor maintain a service facility within 50 miles of Jones County and a 90-minute on‑site response time; commissioners questioned whether those limits would narrow competition and suggested adjusting response expectations (comments suggested 60–90 minutes or a 75–90 mile service radius depending on availability). Commissioners also asked staff to confirm any applicable county bid thresholds and procurement rules before issuing the solicitation.

The RFP as approved will explicitly allow other local entities to participate or “piggyback” on pricing (the county clerk and staff described including the county water authority, parks and the city fire department in the solicitation), with each participating agency responsible for funding its own radios. Commissioners asked that technical evaluation include fire and EMA representatives and county staff so proposals receive multiple reviewers' input before a recommendation returns to the board.

The board approved issuing the solicitation by voice vote. Staff said they will verify procurement thresholds and return vendor responses and recommended awards to the commission for final action.","The county authorized staff to issue a request for proposals for a VHF digital radio upgrade to replace aging equipment, include partner agencies for joint purchasing, and set service/response expectations to inform bidder requirements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: appointments, licenses and routine approvals — Jones County commission, Jan. 17, 2017

Jones County approves tax commissioner's routine protocol updates

Jones County delays adoption of minimum housing standards, sends code to work session

Jones County approves request-for-proposals for new digital VHF radio system