Jackson County BOCC June 9th Regular Meeting Highlights

On June 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners held a Regular Meeting. This is a recap of some of the reports and requests included in that meeting.

Recognition of the Employee of the Quarter was the start of the meeting. The Board recognized Jennifer Ham, Personnel Specialist, as the Employee of the Quarter for the Second Quarter of 2026. During the presentation, Human Resources Director Maile Ontiveros highlighted Ham’s exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving both County employees and her fellow team members.

Ontiveros noted that Jennifer played a critical role in supporting the Human Resources Department during a period when she independently managed HR responsibilities, demonstrating her extensive knowledge, reliability, and a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure operations continued smoothly. She was recognized for generously sharing her expertise, providing hands-on training and mentorship, assisting with employee needs, and helping foster strong working relationships across our organization. Her positive attitude, teamwork, integrity, and commitment to supporting others were cited as qualities that make her an invaluable asset to Jackson County and a deserving recipient of the Employee of the Quarter honor.

Recognitions included highlighting various employees’ Years of Service. The Jackson County Board of County Commissioners has recognized the dedicated service of its employees by awarding "Years of Service" awards to those who have shown commitment and loyalty to the county through their tenure. This acknowledgment of their hard work and dedication serves as a testament to their contributions towards the growth and success of Jackson County.

At this meeting, the Board, along with Department Directors, presented awards to the following employees:

Mitchell Rister who currently serves as a Firefighter/EMT with Jackson County Fire Rescue. He is recognized for 5 years of continuous service.

Rodney Ellis who currently serves as a Parks Environmental Tech with Public Works. He is recognized for 5 years of continuous service.

Edmund Garrett currently serves as Animal Control Officer with Public Works. He is recognized for 10 years of continuous service.

A public hearing was also held for the First Reading/Public Hearing for Ordinance to Establish Moratorium. The Board held the first public hearing on a proposed ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on data center development within Jackson County. Prior to opening the public hearing for public comment, Commissioner Crutchfield made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Branch, to pursue a permanent ban on data centers rather than the proposed one-year moratorium. County Attorney Clayton Knowles then read the title of the originally advertised moratorium ordinance before the Board opened the public hearing and received public comment.

Following public comment and Board discussion, the Board rescinded its original motion and directed the County Attorney and staff to prepare revised ordinance language that would replace the proposed moratorium with a permanent ban on data centers, associated accessory structures, and affiliated businesses. Also included in the motion is an effective date of June 23, 2026, for the updated ordinance. A revised draft ordinance will be published on the County website prior to the second public hearing, which is scheduled for June 23, 2026, at 9:00 AM, when the Board will consider formal adoption of the updated ordinance.

A request for approval and appointment of the 2026 AHAC Committee continued the meeting. The Board officially approved and appointed the 2026 Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC), including four new members selected to fill vacancies on the committee: Charlene Trickey-Durham, Jennie Ann Dean, Danielle Newsome, and Rebecca Robinson. The full 2026 AHAC membership includes Regina Hargis-Williams (Banking/Mortgage Industry), Lee Gause (For-Profit Affordable Housing Provider), Joelle Roberts (Real Estate Professional), Kevin Yoder (Not-for-Profit Affordable Housing Provider), Danielle Newsome (Residential Home Building Industry), Kimberly Walters (Essential Services Personnel), Jennie Ann Dean (Not-for-Profit Affordable Housing Provider), Charlene Trickey-Durham (Citizen Representative), Rebecca Robinson (Real Estate Professional), Robert Arnold (Local Planning Committee Representative), and Commissioner Jamey Westbrook (Elected Official).

The AHAC serves an important role in the County’s participation in the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, reviewing housing-related policies and providing recommendations to support affordable housing opportunities throughout Jackson County.

Approval of second extension for the Development Agreement for Peacock Bridge Store followed. The Board approved a 12-month extension to the existing Peacock Bridge Store Development Agreement for a proposed convenience and liquor store project located on the west side of Highway 71 South, approximately 470 feet north of the intersection of Highway 71 South and Peacock Bridge Road in unincorporated Jackson County. The original development agreement, approved by the Board on March 28, 2023, allows for 3,200 square feet of impervious area, including a convenience store, liquor store, vehicular use areas, and sidewalks. This is the 2nd extension request approved for the development.

Approval of various bid awards finished out the meeting. The Board approved the award of RFP 2526-13 for Fire Rescue Medical Evaluation Services to VITALExam following a competitive solicitation process. Three proposals were received and opened on May 28, 2026, with VITALExam submitting the lowest bid at $550 per examination. The Board also approved the award of RFP 2526-17 for the Bellamy Bridge Boardwalk to Sea Byrd Marine, LLC. Two bids were received and opened on May 28, 2026, with Sea Byrd Marine, LLC submitted the lowest bid of $92,895.

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