Jones County Commissioners discussed the rules for package liquor sales in Jones County for the first time in 11 months with more work needed before applications for permits can be accepted.
The liquor store work session preceded the third Tuesday Board meeting April 21. Both meetings were called to order by Chairman Chris Weidner.
The 5 p.m. work session was turned over to County Administrator Jason Rizner, who noted that a pouring license for beer and wine has been in Jones County’s code since 1977. He noted the approval of the package sales of distilled spirits was approved in a referendum on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot.
Rizner went over a proposed amendment to the county code that was the topic of the Feb. 18, 2025, work session. That meeting included input from Jones County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Earl Humphries.
The administrator pointed out at last week’s meeting that it was agreed the license to sell distilled spirits would be revoked if not used in the required timeframe, and the Board of Commissioners has the right to deny or revoke the license.
Board members agreed that the timeframe for a facility to become operational for sales is within 12 months of receipt of the license for both renovated or new construction. They agreed the county would have eight commercial zones where the spirits could be sold, and within those zones, four licenses would be allowed.
Commissioners also agreed any package liquor sales business cannot be within 1,000 feet of a church, school, funeral home or cemetery. They also agreed the business would not be open on Sunday.
Zoning Officer Tim Pitrowski pointed out that package sales would be a conditional use allowed in C-2 zoning, which means approval would always come before the commissioners.
Rizner added that, in addition to the county ordinance, all state requirements must be followed.
With no public comments, the work session was adjourned.
Board meeting
Weidner called the third Tuesday business meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Commissioner Sam Kitchens led the opening prayer, and the pledge was led by Zoe Rosenberger, daughter of Parks and Recreation Director Bert Rosenberger.
The meeting agenda had nothing under New Business and one item under Old Business.
Rosenberger brought a question to the commissioners at their April 7 meeting about waiving the bid process for golf cart leases. He explained the issue was the time it takes to go through the bid process and the fact that the same three companies bid.
The director’s request was to allow him to get quotes from the companies, all of which are state contractors.
Board members requested Rosenberger bring back information about previous bid processes to the April 21 meeting, and he did that. He said two bids were received on the leases in 2017, and the next time the leases were up was during COVID.
Rosenberger said the leases were renewed at that time because there was really no option for new carts. He said that leads to the situation today that includes having carts that are older and not in good shape.
Kitchens said the fact that the companies involved were state contractors made a difference.
Commissioner Daylon Martin made the motion to waive the bid process for the golf carts, and the motion was approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned to enter closed session at 6:20 p.m. and reopened at 7 p.m.
Kitchens made the motion to create an assistant administrator position. The motion was approved unanimously, and the meeting adjourned.
The next meeting of the Board of Commissioners is scheduled May 5.
