Highlights from the Jackson County BOCC February 27 regular meeting

The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Marianna. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting.

The meeting began with a proclamation recognizing Flood Awareness Week. Community Development, Senior Planner, Amber Barnes, requested Board adoption of a proclamation to establish the week of March 4 through 11, 2024 as Flood Awareness week in Jackson County. As participants in the National Flood Insurance Program, it may provide residents with the opportunity to obtain flood insurance premiums at a reduced rate. Public education and awareness of potential weather hazards and methods of protection are critical to the health, safety, and welfare of residents.

A request was then made to Set Meetings to Review Updates to Code of Ordinances. Community Development, Senior Planner, Amber Barnes, requested Board recommendation to set up meetings to review updates to Chapter 42 of the Jackson County Code of Ordinances. Recommendations include text and number edits, deleted text, and new verbiage in several chapters and sections, such as parking standards, transportation, subdivisions, signs, wireless towers, etc. Staff requests the Board's decision in which manner they would like to review the codes, and to set dates and times for the meetings.

The Planning Commission reviewed the updates to Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances on 12/4/23, 12/18/23, and 1/22/24 with recommendations for approval as written.

A request was made for Approval of Payment Policy for Fees and Fines/Special Magistrate. The Board recently amended Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances to provide for the Adoption of a Magistrate Hearing Process. This initiative has streamlined and expedited the resolution of code violations. It has improved efficiency by relieving the burden on the traditional court system and providing a more specialized forum for addressing code enforcement issues.

During this meeting, Code Enforcement Officer, Jessica Nabors, requested Board review and approval Request: Board review and approval of a payment policy for fines and fees imposed by the Special Magistrate. The purpose of this policy is to establish clear payment procedures for fines and fees imposed and/or ordered by the Special Magistrate for respondents who violated the Jackson County Code of Ordinances. This policy applies to all respondents and the departments and/or divisions responsible for the collection of these payments, including Animal Control, Building Services, Code Enforcement, and the Fire Marshall. Request was approved unanimously.

A request was made for Approval of TDC Special Event Sponsorships/Reimbursements. The Jackson County Tourist Development Council is committed to supporting and promoting tourism-related events that showcase the local culture, attractions, and businesses. To achieve this goal, the department offers special sponsorships/reimbursements to event organizers who demonstrate a positive impact on the local economy and community. By investing in these events, the department hopes to attract more visitors to the county, increase tourism revenue, and create memorable experiences for both residents and visitors alike.

During this meeting, Tourist Development Council Director, Kelsi Jackson, Requested Board approval of (3) TDC grant reimbursements, and (3) sponsorships.

Reimbursements included:

•RockaDock - RockaDock hosted a week-long paddling event in September at the Florida Caverns State Park. The event brought in 144 people, coming from all over the US, who stayed for a week at the Caverns and explored Jackson County waterways and more. RockaDock has already booked the campground again for its 2024 event. After staff review, $2,650.73 in approved expenses are eligible for reimbursement. The TDC approved the reimbursement during its February meeting.

•Autumn Toss ‘Em - The JC Disc Golf Club hosted its Autumn Toss 'Em event back in November. The event brought in approximately 70 people from around the region. After staff review, $2,228.77 of expenses are eligible for reimbursement. The TDC board approved the reimbursement during its February meeting.

•Cave Adventurers - In September, Cave Adventurers hosted its 20th anniversary celebration at Blue Springs. The event brought in around 200 attendees, traveling from 18states and 4 countries, with roughly 60% of attendees staying overnight for 1-3 nights. After staff review, $2,997.72 in approved expenses are eligible for reimbursement. The TDC approved the reimbursement during its February meeting.

Sponsorships included:

•JC Disc Golf Third Annual Open - The JCDGC is applying for $1,620 in sponsorship funding for the February JC Disc Golf Open. This funding will cover a custom stamped disc and tournament sanction fees. During its February meeting, the TDC board voted to approve funding for custom towels and tournament sanction fees.

•Fire & Feathers - Oak Grove Plantation, Jackson County Fire Rescue, and Jackson CountyTDC have partnered up together for this event to promote a new local hunting range in Jackson County. Oak Grove offers guided hunts and dog training services for the southeast region. The TDC Board voted to approve $3,000 in funding to cover some of the cost of the birds for the hunt. The event is bringing businesses and individuals in from around the region to bring more awareness of Oak Grove.

•Alabama High School Rodeo - In April, the Alabama High School Rodeo will be hosting a rodeo event at the JC Ag Center. There will be approximately 200 families who will travel into Jackson County to participate in the event, with even more estimated spectators and attendees. Participants are expected to stay 3-4 nights. The TDC board voted to approve $7,500 in funding to cover the cost of the facility rental, stalls, and stock/chutes.

The request was approved in its entirety unanimously.