If everything goes as planned, officials with the City of Laurel will transfer a parcel of land to Jones County officials on Tuesday for the relocation of the Department of Human Services building.

After several months of discussion, Jones County officials met with members of the Laurel City Council Thursday and explained to city officials what the county is requesting in regard to the proposed construction of a new DHS building.

Laurel Councilman Tony Thaxton, chairman of the Laurel City Council’s Planning Committee, said the county’s presentation on Thursday was well received.

The county had earlier proposed to construct a 20,000 to 21,000-square-foot building, that was estimated to cost about $3 million.

Thursday, Jones County engineer Ronnie Clark, accompanied by Jones County Supervisor Andy Dial, told city officials that it would be feasible to construct the new Department of Human Services building in downtown Laurel on the property located between Fred’s and Sam Creel & Associates, formerly the Farmer’s Market area.

Clark said the 1.4 acres of property is sufficient if the building is a three-story structure.

Clark said the county is proposing to construct a three-story building with 107 parking spaces for DHS and an additional 32 parking spaces would be available on the adjacent land.

Dial, who is president of the Jones County Board of Supervisors, said on most days the DHS utilizes about 75 parking spaces.

Clark provided the council with a conceptual layout for the proposed facility. However, he said, the architectural design of the building would come after the approval of the council to convey the land to the county.

“I know some people are worried about it being a cheap metal building, but it will not,” Clark said. “This will be a brick structure keeping with the downtown look.”

Clark said the structure will be a 6,400 square foot building with three stories totaling approximately 19,200 square feet.

City officials asked Fred’s officials and members of Laurel Express, the city’s Main Street group, if they had concerns about the proposal.

“We are excited about having the DHS building in downtown,” said David Majure, whose family owns the Fred’s in downtown Laurel. “The 37 parking spaces would be a bare minimum, but we can talk about that. ... We are very positive about this project.”

City Councilman Trey Chinn, who has been working with county officials on this matter, said he had talked to officials with the Creel law firm about the proposal and they were in support of it.

Some downtown merchants had previously expressed concerned about the building being located in the old Kress’ parking lot downtown. However Thursday, Jackie Lee, executive director of Laurel Express, said the group appreciates the city allowing them to be involved in the process and that Laurel Express supports the new proposed location.

“We are excited about this,” Lee said. “We are in support of this. ... This is something that’s going to bring business to downtown.”

Clark said the county is in the process of making a formal request to the city for the 1.4 acres of land for the construction of the building.

City attorney David Ratcliff said he had been in contact with Wayne Thompson, attorney for the board of supervisors, concerning the matter.

Ratcliff told officials that Thompson was preparing the formal written request from the county and that city officials should have it by Monday.

Dial told officials that no monetary compensation is being considered for the land. However, he said the formal request will include language stating that the board of supervisors agrees not to increase the city’s jail fee throughout the remainder of their current term.

Councilman Manuel Jones said if the county’s order states the fee stability, he would support the proposal.

“I thank Mr. Dial and Mr. (Johnny) Burnett for their work on this project. I’m glad that we are able to get to this point,” Jones said. “I would like for the city and county to have periodical meetings.

“I think if the city and county can get together, we can move Jones County forward,” Jones added.

Councilwoman Willie Evans said the locating of the DHS building in Laurel “is a win-win situation, plus it’s a great service to the people of Laurel.”

Laurel’s Chief Administrative Officer Dennis Keveryn asked that the county to consider only charging the city the $20 fee for housing prisoners on a 24-hour basis and not on a midnight to midnight cycle.

Dial said he could make that recommendation to the county board.

Thaxton said because of all the positive response received from the meeting, the committee is requesting that the approval of the land request from the county be put on Tuesday’s Laurel City Council agenda.

Dial said Thursday that he’s pleased with the meeting and planned to recommend to the members of the Board of Supervisors at their meeting Monday that they approve the deal pending receipt of the city’s deed.

“ A lot of positive things have come out of this meeting,” Thaxton said. “It’s a step in the right direction.”

The Laurel City Council is expected to take a vote on the county’s request for the land during its next meeting, which is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Council’s Chamber at Laurel City Hall.