Residents urge action on deteriorating rural roads; commissioners begin text amendment on building elevations

A petition presented to the Jones County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 4 described persistent potholes, dips and hazardous conditions on East Colonial Drive and Stagecoach Drive East, prompting a discussion of prioritization and funding for rehabilitation.

Resident David Branch (identification in meeting record) told the board: “our roads are beating our cars up, and they they're creating a, a hazardous situation when we meet traffic on the road.” He described sections where motorists must use private driveways or pull off the road to pass and urged the county to act.

County staff told the board East Colonial Drive is currently “way down the list,” while Stagecoach East is closer to the top; staff estimated “2 to 3 years on Stagecoach East” before full reclamation work could occur given current funding and scheduling. Staff described the county’s typical approach — including larger investments such as full‑depth reclamation when base conditions require it — and agreed to target interim patching at the worst locations.

The citizen petition and exchanges with staff led commissioners to discuss funding options. One commissioner noted options that accelerate repairs, including targeted local tax measures or tax allocation districts that could raise revenue for infrastructure in defined areas. The commissioner observed that dedicated, local revenue tools can shorten long waiting lists for pavement projects.

Separately, the board voted to begin a text‑amendment process to address drainage and safety concerns when structures are built below the road grade. Staff said the proposed amendment would allow the county to require documentation or design measures where new construction could create long‑term drainage problems for neighboring properties and roads. Commissioners debated scope and hardship: some said the amendment should allow exemptions for obviously high lots or existing subdivisions; others pressed for objective criteria so the director can make consistent, defensible decisions.

The board approved initiating the text amendment by voice vote. Staff will draft proposed ordinance language and forward it to planning and zoning for formal review before returning to the board for subsequent readings.