Jones County Board of Assessors appoints Jim Davis as acting chief appraiser and consultant

At a called meeting Monday, March 10, the Jones County Board of Assessors moved to appoint Jim Davis as acting chief appraiser and consultant to the board to address findings and recommendations in a 2024 state performance review and to assist the board in searching for a permanent chief appraiser.

The action was introduced by the presiding officer, who moved to appoint Davis. The transcript records the presiding officer saying, “Mister Davis, has a very distinguished career,” and noting a press release outlining Davis’s experience. The meeting record does not provide a roll-call tally; the presiding officer then moved on to public comment and adjournment, indicating the appointment was approved but not recording a numerical vote in the transcript.

Nut graf: The appointment directs an experienced, independent appraiser to help the board address the state’s 2024 performance review findings and recommendations, and to serve as a consultant during the board’s search for a permanent chief appraiser. The board framed the move as a step to improve transparency and ensure equitable property assessments in Jones County.

Details and background: The presiding officer outlined Davis’s credentials, saying he holds an Appraiser IV designation with the state, previously served as chief appraiser in Bibb, Epps(on), Colquitt and Monroe counties, and has more than 50 years of experience in ad valorem appraisal. The presiding officer also noted Davis’s roles as an instructor for the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia’s County Commissioner Training Program, participation in the Department of Revenue’s Assessor Appraiser training program, and past service as president of the Georgia Association of Assessing Professionals. The presiding officer added that Davis graduated from Macon High School (Lanier), earned a degree in mathematics from Georgia Southern University and served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant.

Discussion vs. decision: The transcript records the presiding officer’s motion to appoint Davis and a statement of appreciation directed to Davis. No other board members’ debate or public comments on the appointment are recorded in the transcript. The meeting record does not include a named seconder for the motion or a written vote tally; the presiding officer closed discussion and proceeded to public comment and adjournment, indicating the motion carried but without a documented vote count.

Next steps: The presiding officer said the board will provide a press release with more details and that Davis will both help address the state review’s findings and aid the search for a permanent chief appraiser. The transcript does not specify a timeline, contract terms, or compensation for the appointment.