The monthly meeting of the Jones County Board of Tax Assessors took care of what is now routine business leading up to the adoption of the county’s 2026 tax digest that is by all indications back on track.
Board Chairman Dr. Leigh Stanford called the May 7 meeting to order, and the opening prayer and pledge were led by board member Joe Rutledge.
Following the approval of last month’s minutes, Stanford worked with board members to schedule a special meeting to approve the 2026 tax digest and approve a budget amendment to request additional funds.
The consensus of the board was to tentatively set the meeting May 28 at 9 a.m.
Board Secretary Bill Goodman began his reports with the undeliverable mail for business personal property returns.
Goodman said the names of businesses with the undelivered mail is required to be posted.
Following a discussion of the posting of the returned mail, Rutledge made the motion for the posting. It was approved unanimously.
Goodman said 88 Homestead applications were received, and he recommended approval of 86 of them. He said the two remaining applications needed clarification. He also recommended one veteran homestead exemption and one historic exemption.
Board Member Justin Kelly made a motion to approve the applications as recommended, and the vote to approve was unanimous.
Goodman requested the approval of 23 ACOs, 25 motor vehicle appeals, and 45 CUVA applications. He said 46 CUVA applications were received, and one needed further information.
Rutledge made a motion for approvals of the applications and the tabling of one CUVA application as recommended. The motion was approved unanimously.
The secretary led a discussion about a possible breach of a Conservation Act property. He said the property owner requested the removal of two acres for a dumpster business, and in his opinion, the use of the property for the business constituted a breach of the statute.
Stanford explained that the issue came to Goodman’s attention when the property owner filed for rezoning of the property. She said use of the property for the business appeared to be an obvious violation and thanked him for bringing it to the board.
The chairman went on to say Goodman is authorized to send letters to property owners when breaches are found, which would then be addressed by the board.
Stanford added the board would be addressing more issues with the two acres CUVA properties are allowed for homes in the statute in the future, and they would be working on new policies.
Goodman said all the boat returns received have been processed, and three mobile home appeals have been approved. He said letters have been sent to all applicants to let them know their status.
He reported that the 2027 tax digest is being compiled, and Traylor Business Services has picked up the 2026 personal property returns and is on track for the June 1 deadline.
Stanford said the work for the 2026 countywide revaluation by Technical Appraisals is almost completed. Goodman said the company has worked hard and done a great job.
With no more business, the meeting was adjourned.
