Jones County commissioners approve rezoning, conditional use and award water-main contract

Jones County commissioners on Feb. 3 approved three formal actions affecting land use and infrastructure. The board rezoned a 4-acre corner parcel from RMH to C2, granted a conditional use allowing a single-wide home at 139 Cali Drive, and awarded a contract for Phase 4 of the Highway 49 water-main project.

The board opened the zoning item after staff introduced a request by R and B Investments LLC to rezone the parcel at Henderson Road and Highway 49. Ronnie Henson, representing the applicant, said the property “is on the corner of Henderson Road and Highway 49” and argued the site fits adjacent commercial uses and could increase county tax revenue. The planning commission had recommended approval; Commissioner Martin moved to approve the rezoning and the motion carried on a voice vote.

The board then considered a conditional-use request for 139 Cali Drive, listed on the agenda as a request by Florine Abrams Ross. The applicant, identified in discussion as Mr. Ross, said he wanted to move back near family and that a single-wide home would be “something I can manage” and provide greater safety for his household. No opposition was called, the board voted to approve the conditional use by voice vote, and the applicant was welcomed back to Jones County.

On infrastructure, county staff reported that bids for Phase 4 of the Highway 49 water-main project (noted in the record as part of “Corona State local fiscal recovery funds”) were opened and that First Environmental LLC was the low bidder (transcript text: “First Environmental LLC for $7.87 $999,000”). Staff said there were roughly 16 plan holders and recommended awarding the contract to First Environmental; the board approved the award by voice vote. Staff also discussed per-foot comparisons for pipe costs, stating that a 12-inch line was about $49 per foot from the low bidder and that prices are trending closer to historical norms.

All three board motions were approved by voice vote; individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the meeting transcript.

The board also handled routine consent business and department reports before moving into an executive session on real estate, litigation and personnel.

What happens next: zoning and conditional-use approvals clear the way for the applicant to pursue permits and site work under county rules; the awarded water-main contract will proceed through the county’s procurement and contracting steps before construction begins.