Hays County Commissioner Mark Jones speaks to members of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce at its annual State of the County luncheon. Sponsored by Doucet and Associates and former County Commissioner Jeff Barton, the luncheon was held at the Performing Arts Center. Jones and Barton spoke about projects in the works in the area and timelines for completion.
by CYNDY SLOVAK-BARTON
Hays County Pct. 2 Commissioner Mark Jones didn’t mince words at the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce “State of the County” meeting Tuesday, saying that he feels like he is listening to constituents just fine.
Jones spoke to area business owners at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center. He said that he has been called upon by a few vocal citizens, saying that area road projects need to be put on hold until the economy picks up, and telling him to listen to residents.
Jones countered, “I am listening to my constituents by moving forward on the projects.” FM 1626 expansion, FM 150 connection from Center Street around the back of Kyle’s Dairy Queen to Center Street and getting the access roads improved and switched to one way all need to remain on the project list, he said.
“The debt is under control,” Jones said, “and the tax rate is lower than projected.” He said the road projects need to move forward, because growth continues in the Kyle-Buda area.
On specific projects, Jones said he expects environmental clearance to be given on the FM 1626 project within seven to 10 days. Former Commissioner Jeff Barton, who was a sponsor of the luncheon through Doucet and Associates, bantered with Jones about the environmental clearance. Both Jones and Barton agreed that the project has been seven years in the works, and that the federal environmental impact study has held up the project for months, if not years.
Jones said the one-way access roads were held up because of federal requests that sidewalks be added to the access road plans. With laughter about that idea spreading through the room, Jones said he is moving forward on the project and expects it to be completed toward the end of next summer.
On a lighter note, Jones joked about the switch in the last election from the commissioners court being 4-1 Democratic controlled and changing to 4-1 Republican currently.
“We’re getting along pretty well, but it could change at any time,” Jones said. “Parties don’t do well with success.”
“Luckily, I’m a Baptist, so I’m pretty used to that,” Jones said.
