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.