Jones County commissioners agree to restore 1.3-acre remnant to longtime owner after 1999 condemnation

Jones County commissioners voted on Feb. 18 to restore a 1.3-acre remnant parcel to James Leroy Davidson that was left isolated after a county road condemnation proceeding in 1999.

The action followed a presentation by the attorney for Davidson, who said Davidson bought the original 20-acre tract in 1966 and that the county’s condemnation to create the new Gerald Plantation Road left a 1.3-acre remnant surrounded on multiple sides by federal land. The attorney told the board he could not find an exhibit or a complete appraisal from the 1999 files and asked the board to sign a deed returning the remnant to Davidson.

The board discussed whether Davidson had been paid for the remnant or only for the parcel taken to build the road. County staff said the condemnation suit referenced a 1.27-acre take; the attorney said an appraisal by Con Realty showing a $6,600 value is missing one page and it is unclear whether that figure covered only the 1.27-acre take or also included the 1.3-acre remnant. Commissioners noted that tax records showed Davidson had been billed on the full 20 acres for years and thus may have paid taxes on acreage no longer part of his parcel.

Commissioner Martin seconded a motion to restore the property; the board voted in favor. Commissioners discussed that if the county repays taxes that the owner overpaid on land the county technically owned, that repayment might exceed the value involved, and staff said they did not consider a restitution payment a gratuity violation in the circumstances discussed.

The board directed staff to prepare and record the deed paperwork and for the county and the owner’s attorney to follow up with the tax assessor’s office to reconcile tax billing. No dollar reimbursement to the owner was approved at the meeting; commissioners said the primary intent was to restore title to the remnant the county no longer needed.

Background: county staff said the condemnation proceeding filed in the late 1990s sought a 1.27-acre take to build and straighten Gerald Plantation Road. The attorney and staff reported the appraisal file is incomplete in county records; Con Realty could not locate the 25-year-old appraisal when contacted, according to the attorney.

The board’s vote to return the remnant closed the item; commissioners asked staff to ensure the deed is filed and to report any tax-correction steps needed.