Residents press Jones County over animal-control conduct and service problems

Several residents used the county comment period on April 7 to raise concerns about Jones County Animal Control and property conditions.

Jason Davis of 741 Chapman Road told commissioners he and others have raised repeated complaints about an animal-control employee he identified as "Kimberly." "She is vile, rude, and hateful. She doesn't deserve the position she holds," Davis said, urging the board to appoint Brandy Smith, whom he described as more qualified and experienced. Davis said feral cats at his property have caused ongoing damage and that he has waited five years for help.

Hunter McClure of 133 Hickory Ridge Drive described a separate situation in which a nearby house is in disrepair and pests are spreading to his property. "I'm nearing spending a thousand dollars in preventatives from mice, from roaches..." McClure said, and he asked what enforcement options the county has under its ordinances.

Commissioners acknowledged the difficulty of animal-control work and said they have sent Brandy (last name not specified in the record) to address some complaints. Commissioner Martin and others asked residents to bear with departmental improvements and said the county is trying to make the department better. No formal personnel action was taken during the public meeting; several commissioners said they had received more positive reports than negative on current staff but recognized there are outstanding complaints.

The board did not announce an immediate personnel decision at the meeting; staff and commissioners indicated they would continue addressing individual complaints and departmental performance.