County lowers millage rate

At last Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting of the Jeff Davis County Commission, the decision made by the commissioners that was of greatest interest to members of the public in attendance, was the decision to lower the county’s millage rate from 12.1750 last year to 11.5610 this year.
And six days later, in a called meeting Monday, the commissioners voted to lower the millage more — to 11.5 (see story elsewhere on this page).
At last week’s meeting, County Administrator Jayme Crosby announced to the board that they would have the Monday meeting to approve the millage rate. She presented the 5-year history which was run in the newspaper and located on the county website.
Crosby mentioned that 2025 millage rate was at 12.175 and the recommendation is at 11.561 for 2026 millage rate.
The commissioners’ approval of the 11.561 millage rate brought a smattering of applause from members of the public at the meeting.
In another matter of interest, Crosby informed the commissioners that the Joint Development Authority (JDA) board appointed two members from their board to a research committee tasked with gathering research on data centers prior to a public workshop on the subject. The JDA requested that the county commission, the City of Hazlehurst and the City of Denton also appoint two members to the committee along with members of the public selected by each governing body.
Commission Chair Ricky Crosby and Vice-Chair Vann Wooten agreed to serve with Rob Stone to serve as an alternate.
In other action at last week’s meeting, the commissioners …
… accepted the low bid from Sikes Brothers for the 2026 Local Road Assistance Program paving work.
… approved a resolution to accept the 5-year Joint Comprehensive Plan of Jeff Davis County, City of Denton, and City of Hazlehurst.
… approved opening a Back The Blue Act bank account to handle state funding for the program.
… approved a license to sell beer and wine at the store located at 222 Ralph Wommack Road.
… accepted the low bid from Air Pro Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration for a cooling system at the Towns Bluff Landing Park.
… appointed David DeSousa to finish the unexpired term of Charles Marchant on the Board of Tax Assessors and advertise for persons interested in serving.
… heard an update from Fire Chief Charles Wasdin on Station 8 improvements being completed. Wasdin said the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan had been completed and approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He also said the pump on Tanker No. 4 will have to be replaced.
… heard from James Bailey during public comments who light-heartedly asked that the annoying sound of “pen clicking” by an unnamed commissioner that has been airing along with the commissioners’ videotaped meetings be eliminated. Administrator Crosby pointed out that the commissioner had been supplied with a new pen to stop the annoyance, to which Bailey expressed his gratitude.
… heard from Laura Thompson during public comments who chastised the commissioners for not being enthusiastic about serving on the committee to research data centers.