Jones County Commissioners approve FY2026 Budget, move to rebid lawn care contract
Trenton — The Jones County Board of Commissioners approved the fiscal year 2026 budget and agreed to rebid the county’s lawn care contract following public concerns over transparency and bid specifications during a regularly scheduled meeting Monday night.
The meeting opened with updates from county staff, including Information Technology Analyst David Jackson, who briefed commissioners on software upgrades, internet infrastructure improvements and an ongoing issue with the state’s new E-Courts system. Jackson said the county has been working with outside vendors and Google to determine why DSS email accounts aren’t registering correctly with the system. The problem was ultimately escalated to Tyler Technologies, the vendor behind the platform.
“They basically said that they don't think it's an issue on our end. They think it's an issue on the vendor's end, which is Tyler Technologies,” Jackson said. “We've been working with them and whenever they need information from us... we've been just trying to be as quick as we can with getting them the responses.”
Jackson also reported that the county is working to transition all computers to Windows 11 ahead of Microsoft’s scheduled end of support for Windows 10 on October 14.
Emergency Services Director Sissy Mills presented an update on hurricane season, which officially began June 1. She noted a 90% chance of an above-normal season, according to the National Weather Service, and said the county is working to ensure staff and equipment are prepared.
“We hope for the best, but we definitely prepare for the worst,” Mills said.
Mills also addressed concerns about ongoing construction at the new Emergency Operations Center. She said the current facility remains active and that backup options include the sheriff’s office conference room and the civic center if needed. Construction is projected to be complete by mid- to late August.
The board unanimously approved a motion to reduce the fee charged to municipalities for tax collection services from 5% to 2.5%. The change was made in response to a request from Pollocksville Mayor Jay Bender and a review of fees charged by other counties.
“The fee we currently charge all three municipalities is 5%,” said county staffer Fleming Jefferies. “We recommend changing the payment... to be more in line with what other counties charge.”
Social Services Director Chris Meadows provided updates on DSS operations, noting stable case numbers and recent improvements to the senior center. He also announced the hire of two employees: Sarah Holland as an APS social worker and Latonia Hill as program manager.
The board also adopted a $25,000 budget ordinance to accept grant funding from the Harold Bates Foundation and American Heart Association to purchase 13 AEDs for sheriff’s department vehicles.
In other business, commissioners voted to approve the FY2026 budget. The tax rate remains at 74 cents per $100 of assessed value. Adjustments were made based on revised revenue forecasts and changes to capital projects. Budget amendments included new funding for EMS, DSS, and health department programs.
The most extensive discussion of the evening centered on the county’s lawn care contract. Commissioners ultimately voted to reject all submitted bids and instructed staff to rebid the contract with clarified specifications, including the number of expected cuts per year.
The board noted that the lowest bidder failed to respond to follow-up inquiries, prompting legal concerns. County Manager Kyle Smith said that extending the existing contract temporarily would provide time to rebid the contract with clearer requirements.
“If we’re going to push this contract back out, we need specifics,” said Dustin, a local business owner and one of the bidders. “We need to know what you want done, how many times you want it done.”
The board agreed that existing services would continue through June 30 and that new bids would be solicited with a 14-day turnaround. The updated bid specifications will include a defined number of cuts and service expectations.
Commissioners also approved a contract change order related to EMS facility renovations but tabled a $43,246 expense related to ambulance bay modifications pending further review.
Additional actions included:
Adoption of a capital improvement plan through FY2030.
Approval of a grant ordinance totaling $18,289 from the N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to support veterans outreach and training.
Approval of new solid waste contracts, with Tons of Trash taking over curbside collection and GFL retained for dumpster services.
The next commissioners' meeting will include review of the revised lawn care bids.
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