County Commission meets
Following are minutes from the May 12 meeting of the Jeff Davis County Commission.
Present: Chairman Ricky Crosby, Commissioner Vann Wooten, Commissioner James Emory Tate, Commissioner Rob Stone, Commissioner James Benjamin, County Administrator Jayme Crosby, County Clerk Arianna Lara, and County Attorney Crystal Vickers via phone call
County Clerk Arianna Lara presented to the board that she received two applications for the vacant spot on the Board of Elections. The first one she received was from Jessica Medders. She is asking to be reappointed. The other application she received is from John Reed.
Motion: To approve to reappoint Jessica Medders to the Elections Board
Proposed: Commissioner Vann Wooten
Second: Commissioner James Emory Tate
Motion Carried 5-0
Human Resource Hannah Day presented the board insurance plans. She recommended option number two due to high claimants, the cost of the stop loss premium increased, and keep the contact with the hospital. She addressed to the board that option number three would not allow a direct contract with the hospital. Hannah also addressed the vision and dental plans. She mentioned United Concordia plans do not have a wide network for the employees. She recommended that the county stay with MetLife. Hannah also asked the board if they could remove the low dental plan and only offer the high plan.
Motion: To approve to select Option number 2 for insurance plan
Proposed: Commissioner James Emory Tate
Second: Commissioner Vann Wooten
Motion Carried. 5-0
Motion: To approve to keep employee/employer premium rates the same
Proposed: Commissioner Ricky Crosby
Second: Commissioner Vann Wooten
Motion Carried. 5-0
Motion: To approve to renew direct contract with Jeff Davis Hospital
Proposed: Commissioner Vann Wooten
Second: Commissioner James Emory Tate
Motion Carried. 5-0
Motion: To approve to stay with MetLife for dental and vison
Proposed: Commissioner Van Wooten
Second: Commissioner James Emory Tate
Motion Carried. 5-0
Motion: To approve to offer 1 dental plan
Proposed: Commissioner Ricky Crosby
Second: Commissioner Vann Wooten
Motion Carried. 5-0
Motion: To approve to continue to offer dental and vison free for the employee only
Proposed: Commissioner Vann Wooten
Second: Commissioner Ricky Crosby
Motion Carried. 5-0
County Administrator Jayme Crosby told the board that Hofstader and Associates engineering firm came in April 21 for bid opening for 2026 LMIG projects. The low bidder came from Georgia Asphalt Products. She explained that Hofstadter would like the board to accept the bid so they can start on the projects.
Motion: To approve to accept the bid from Georgia Asphalt Products
Proposed: Commissioner James Emory Tate
Second: Commissioner Vann Wooten
Motion Carried 5-0
Motion: To approve the 2026 LRA road projects list
Proposed: Commissioner Vann Wooten
Second: Commissioner James Benjamin
Motion Carried 5-0
Blake Mullis addressed to the board that a new road is 450 feet long off Long Leaf Road. He also mentioned that six houses will be added to the road. Blake said that the name of the road is Timber Run Road.
Motion: To approve to accept Timber Run Road as a new county road
Proposed: Commissioner Vann Wooten
Second: Commissioner James Emory Tate
Motion Carried 5-0
Jayme Crosby updated the board that the county is 83.8% percent of the budget. Jayme said the budget committee have met with department heads regarding their budgets. She wanted to make the board aware that she would be sending out some dates for a budget hearing and to adopt the budget. Jayme also updated the board that Towns Bluff Park is now under the direction of Recreation Department. She mentions that they’ve been working great together.
Roads Superintendent Chris Horton addressed to the board that some of his equipment has a lot of hours on them including a John Deere motor grader with 12,000 hours. He addressed that they met with some people at Rebel Auction and swaped some equipment to save the county some money.
Motion: To approve to swap equipment at Rebel Auction with equipment with less hours.
Proposed: Commissioner James Emory Tate
Second: Commissioner Vann Wooten
Motion Carried 5-0
Chairman Ricky Crosby addressed beavers. He said beavers need to be caught. Attorney Crystal Vickers mentions that she will look into it more and get back with County Administrator Crosby.
Commissioner Rob Stone mentioned about the Alma dumpsite. He requested if a motor grader can go by and smooth it out so they can fill the hole with dirt.
Chairman Ricky Crosby addressed the board concerning the burn ban.
Motion: To approve to suspend the burn ban .
Proposed: Commissioner Vann Wooten
Second: Commissioner James Benjamin
Motion Carried 5-0
Coneilia Reddy addressed to the board regarding the traffic on the Uvalda highway in front of Bay Meadows Apartments. Her concern is the number of close accidents happening in that area and wants something to prevent it by inserting a turning lane or caution light. Coneilia also mentions to the board if the county found anyone to do the trash pickup. County Administrator Jayme Crosby addressed that she did receive two bids. Jayme also mentions that the bids wouldn’t be feasible for this fiscal year and possibly look at again in the next fiscal year.
