REGIONAL COMMISSION
Representatives of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission recently held a listening session in Jones County to gather information for the 2024 Middle Georgia Regional Plan.
The Feb. 6 meeting was led by Greg Boike, director of planning and public administration, and Alex Smith, environmental and land use planner.
Meeting attendees included Commissioners John Wood, Wendy Vaughn, Daylon Martin and Chairman Chris Weidner.
County Administrator Jason Rizner was also at the meeting.
After introducing himself and Smith, Boike said it was exciting to go through the process.
“We are talking to people in the region and will be redeveloping the plan during the next couple of months,” he said.
Boike said Jones County’s Comprehensive Plan was updated in 2022. He said the regional plan looks at a variety of issues for the 11 counties served, including land use, housing and growth patterns.
The director said the plan would guide the work of the MGRC for the next five years.
“We need to make sure the projects are in line with those goals,” he said.
Boike said a kickoff was held at the MGRC office, and now they are reaching out to the counties. He said the purpose is to hear from people in the community and get their thoughts and opinions.
Growth
Smith talked about Jones County’s population growth, saying growth in the region from 2010 to 2020 has been 4.2 percent. He said Jones County saw growth from 1960 to 2010, but during the last 10 years its population has been stable.
Smith said the projection for the county for the next 30 years is a modest population increase.
The planner said there is a lack of rental property in Jones County, which was no surprise to anyone.
Boike said the trend in Jones County is the population is getting older and living longer.
Vaughn said more middle-aged people are staying in the county.
Boike asked if Jones County is planning for population growth.
Vaughn said the county is increasing water and sewer distribution and internet coverage.
Education
Smith moved to education attainment, which showed the county is similar to the rest of the state.
Boike asked if there were jobs in Jones County to attract educated people.
Vaughn said the majority of jobs were in education and healthcare.
Board of Education member Dr. Nancy Nash said the Jones County College and Career Academy offers opportunities, and Boike said Jones County should emhphasize skills and training.
“A lot more people leave the county for work than come here for work,” he added.
Vaughn asked about the number of people who work from home. The director said that was a good question, and that area needs better data.
Boike said childcare is a problem and is needed for growth.
“There is a big resource gap. Childcare is too expensive, and childcare workers are not paid enough,” he said.
Smith said manufacturing had decreased in Jones County since 2002.
Boike went on to say that every area has dipped in manufacturing, but some have rebounded. He said that is not the case in Jones County.
Housing
Moving on to housing, Smith said a large percentage of housing in Jones County is older houses, but there are still not enough readily available.
Boike said data shows a 17 percent vacancy level, but he does not believe that is correct. He said many of the houses are not in livable condition, and others are tied up in heir property issues.
“The state is pushing the rural housing program. New housing costs are not affordable,” he said.
The director said another problem is that infrastructure is not available where people are wanting to build. He said progress is expanding infrastructure but not fast enough.
Boike also pointed out that mental health and substance abuse are a threat everywhere. Vaughn said there is some help in the schools, but Jones County does not have enough services.
At the end of the session, the director said Jones County was number eight in the MGRC visits to the counties.
“This was great conversation. We are making good progress,” he said.
Boike said information from the meeting would be compiled, and he would keep the county informed. He said a draft of the regional plan would be ready in April.
