JONES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Jones County Commissioners had a visit from the county’s state representatives at their first board meeting of the year.
The Jan. 3 meeting was called to order by Chairman Chris Weidner. He welcomed the first speaker, State Rep. Dale Washburn, who represents Georgia House District 144.
Washburn explained that his district physically covers approximately half of the county.
“It’s my honor to represent you,” he said.
The representative is a native of Jones County and is a former county commissioner. Following his brief remarks, Washburn introduced State Rep. Ken Vance, who represents the remainder of the county.
Washburn noted that Jones County is represented in the State Senate by Sen. Rick Williams.
“You have a good delegation,” he said. Vance, who represents House District 133, thanked the voters of Jones County for electing him. He said he has spent 28 years on the city council in Milledgeville and was in law enforcement over 40 years.
The representative gave his phone number to board members.
“I’m always here to listen and will further your cause when I can,” he said.
Weidner moved on to board appointments. Jones County’s appointment for a member on the River Edge Community Service Board was postponed.
Three names were approved to become members of the Development Authority of Jones County, Brian Utley, Mary Murray and Chris Wieters. All were unanimously approved following a motion by Commissioner Daylon Martin.
Jones County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Earl Humphries brought the first item of New Business, roadside cameras. Humphries said he had been in talks about the cameras with County Administrator Jason Rizner over the past year.
The chief said the first cameras they looked at cost from $36,000 to $42,000 each, and it was agreed the county just could not afford them. He said a new company, Flock Safety, started leasing the cameras and surrounding counties are already using them.
“The recent arrest of a suspected murderer wanted in another state was the direct result of Flock Cameras in Baldwin County,” he said.
Humphries said he is proposing 20 cameras in Jones County that would cover most entry roads. He said River North already has cameras at its entrances, and he expects the private development would purchase more.
“We already go through cameras everywhere,” he said.
Weidner said he believes the idea is a win-win, and cameras are a must.
Humphries said every camera would be plugged into JCSO dispatch and every deputy on patrol.
“I’ve talked to other counties, and I feel comfortable this is a good product,” he said.
The cost of the cameras is $2,500 for the stationary cameras and $3,000 for the mobile cameras. The total for the proposal for the rental of the cameras for two years is $113,000.
The chief said the cameras are completely wireless and are solar powered.
Rizner said Jones County has access to another pot of COVID-19 money that would pay for the cameras. He said the county already received a $79,000 payment and would receive another next year.
Martin made the motion to approve the purchase but added two mobile cameras to be dedicated to litter control for a total of $119,000. The motion was unanimously approved.
Consulting Engineer Tim Ingram presented the bid award for Georgia Department of Transportation Local Maintenance Improvement Grant projects. He said Reeves Construction was the low bidder, and the question was what roads the county wanted included.
Rizner said the agreed upon roads were Morris Stevens, Dye, Smith, Overland Way and Whitehead roads, the animal shelter parking lot, Morris Bank Complex sidewalks and patio. The total cost of the projects was just under $2 million. The administrator explained the funds to pay for the projects was 2022 and 2023 LMIG funds, the local match, SPLOST funds and capital reserves.
Commissioner Sam Kitchens made the motion, and the vote to approve the projects was unanimous.
Jones County Parks, Recreation and Golf Director Bert Rosenberger brought recommendations to the board that were discussed in a work session that took place prior to the business meeting.
Rosenberger started with policies for the Mattie Wells Gym. He suggested no bags should be allowed to be brought into the gym, registration for the those entering the gym, limiting free play to youth and adding signage of the gym rules.
Martin pointed out the policy was for inside the gym only and anyone could use the outside basketball courts. The commissioner made the motion to adopt the policy, and the vote to approve was unanimous.
Rosenberger recommended a change in the golf course fees beginning with raising cart fees from $5 to $10. He also recommended adding $1 to the fee to play nine holes and lowering the annual single membership fee from $800 to $500.
The cost for an annual membership for seniors remained at $400.
The motion to approve the recommendations was approved unanimously.
The director requested an additional charge to field and court rental fees by $20 per hour to pay for staff members required to be in attendance.
Commissioner Wendy Vaughn made the motion to approve the increase, and the motion was approved unanimously.
Rosenberger recommended awarding the bid for zero turn mowers to Ace Hardware for three Grasshopper Mowers to be paid out of the General Fund. Vaughn made the motion, and the vote to approve was unanimous.
The only item of Old Business was the county’s certification policy, which was presented by HR Director Shannon Wagner. Martin made the motion to approve the policy and it was approved unanimously.
During commissioners’ comments, board members expressed their appreciation to all the county employees who worked in the freezing weather over the holiday to make sure people in Jones County had water.
The next meeting of the Board of Commissioners is scheduled Jan. 17.
