All links go directly to official Ellisville, Mississippi government websites.
About Ellisville City Government
Annual Budget$3.5 million
Regular MeetingsPublic Sessions
The governing body of Ellisville, Mississippi, is the Ellisville City Council, which consists of five members. Each council member is elected from one of the five wards within the city, serving a term length of four years. The current council members include Mayor Larry B. Smith, Ward 1 Councilman Timmy McDonald, Ward 2 Councilman Johnnie M. Smith, Ward 3 Councilman J. M. “Mike” Smith, and Ward 4 Councilman John D. “Johnny” McDonald.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Ellisville is $3.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Ellisville City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM. These meetings take place at the Ellisville City Hall, located at 201 East Main Street, Ellisville, MS 39437. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding city governance and community issues.
About Ellisville, Mississippi
Nestled in the heart of Jones County, Ellisville, Mississippi, boasts a population of approximately 4,600, making it a small but vibrant community. Founded in the early 1900s, this charming city has managed to preserve its Southern allure while evolving into a hub of local activity. The city is characterized by its tight-knit neighborhoods, including the historic district that showcases quaint homes and rich cultural heritage. Ellisville is well-known for its annual events, including the popular Blueberry Festival, which draws visitors from across the region to celebrate local agriculture and community spirit. Economically, the city has diversified, with key employers ranging from retail establishments to manufacturing, reflecting a blend of traditional Southern values and modern enterprise. What truly sets Ellisville apart is its commitment to fostering community bonds and providing a quality living environment, making it a desirable location for both residents and businesses.
The law enforcement needs of Ellisville are primarily served by the Ellisville Police Department, which works collaboratively with the Jones County Sheriff's Office to ensure public safety and order. Additionally, the Jones County Detention Facility provides housing for incarcerated individuals and operates as a central hub for law enforcement activities in the area. For those seeking arrest records, mugshots, and booking records, the process begins with the Ellisville Police Department, where individuals can submit requests for local police records. If records are not available at the municipal level, the next step is to contact the Jones County Sheriff's Office. For a more comprehensive criminal history, residents can access the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Investigation, which maintains a statewide criminal repository. This repository provides a valuable resource for background checks and can be accessed online for convenience. While some information may be available through online lookup portals, it is advisable to consult directly with these law enforcement agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date records.
Ellisville falls under the jurisdiction of the Jones County Circuit Court, which handles a variety of civil and criminal cases within the region. To request court records, individuals can utilize the online portal provided by the Mississippi Judicial System or visit the court clerk in person. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained through the Jones County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, or by contacting the Mississippi State Department of Health for statewide records. For property records, residents should reach out to the Jones County Assessor’s Office and the County Recorder, both of which provide access to essential information regarding property ownership and assessments. The county’s online portals facilitate these requests, allowing for a more streamlined process. Furthermore, under the Mississippi Public Records Act, residents can submit general public records requests, typically receiving responses within 5 to 10 business days. This framework ensures that Ellisville's residents remain informed and connected to their community's governance and services.
About Ellisville
Ellisville is a city located in Jones County, Mississippi, serving as one of two county seats alongside Laurel. With a population of approximately 4,500 residents, Ellisville sits in the southeastern portion of the state and was incorporated in 1898. The city is perhaps best known as the home of Jones College, a public community college founded in 1911 that serves as a major educational and cultural anchor for the region.
Ellisville's historic downtown district features well-preserved early 20th-century architecture, and the city maintains a small-town character while serving as an important administrative center for Jones County. The community's economy has traditionally centered around education, agriculture, and small businesses, with Jones College being the largest employer within city limits. Public records for Ellisville residents are maintained by a combination of city, county, and state agencies. The Ellisville City Hall at 4 Court Square handles municipal records including city ordinances, business licenses, and local permits. The Ellisville Police Department maintains law enforcement records for incidents within city limits. As Jones County's co-county seat, many records are also available through Jones County offices located in both Ellisville and Laurel, including the Jones County Chancery Clerk for land records and vital statistics, the Jones County Circuit Clerk for court records, and the Jones County Sheriff's Office for county-level law enforcement. Mississippi's Public Records Act, codified in Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., governs access to these records, ensuring that most government documents are available for public inspection and copying upon request.
Police Department & Arrest Records
Jones County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Jones County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Laurel and Ellisville. The Laurel Police Department and Ellisville Police Department handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader county area. These agencies collaborate on major investigations and share resources to effectively address crime across the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The primary detention facility in the county is the Jones County Adult Detention Center. This facility handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to adhere to scheduled times and regulations. The bond and bail process follows Mississippi state guidelines, allowing for release pending trial under certain conditions.
Court Records
Ellisville residents are served by multiple court systems. The Ellisville Municipal Court, located at Ellisville City Hall, 4 Court Square, Ellisville, MS 39437, phone (601) 477-3441, handles city ordinance violations, traffic citations issued within city limits, and preliminary hearings for certain misdemeanors. The Jones County Circuit Court, with a courthouse located at 410 Court Street in Ellisville, MS 39437, phone (601) 477-3651, handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200, divorces, equity cases, and appeals from lower courts.
Jones County also operates a Chancery Court at the same Ellisville courthouse address, phone (601) 477-3362, which handles adoptions, estates, guardianships, property disputes, and certain family matters. The Jones County Justice Court handles misdemeanor cases, small claims up to $3,500, evictions, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Mississippi operates a statewide court records system, and some case information can be searched through individual county chancery and circuit clerk offices. The Jones County Chancery Clerk's Office maintains land records and chancery court files, while the Jones County Circuit Clerk's Office at 410 Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437, phone (601) 477-3651, maintains circuit court case files. Fees for certified copies of court documents typically range from $1.00 to $2.00 per page plus a certification fee. Case searches may be conducted in person at the clerk's offices, and some basic case information may be available by phone inquiry.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Jones County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Jones County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. These records are essential for legal proceedings and public safety, offering insight into an individual's criminal history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Jones County are maintained by the Jones County Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about the arrest, including the charges, date, and location of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Mississippi Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency while protecting sensitive information.
Public Records Access
Property and land records for Ellisville are maintained by Jones County offices. The Jones County Tax Assessor's Office, located at 410 Court Street in Ellisville, MS 39437, phone (601) 428-0588, maintains property assessment records including ownership information, parcel numbers, assessed values, property descriptions, and tax assessment history. Property owners and the public can search property records by owner name, address, or parcel number.
The Jones County Chancery Clerk's Office, serving as the land records office, is located at 410 Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437, phone (601) 477-3362. This office records and maintains all land-related documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, satisfactions, easements, liens, plats, and other instruments affecting real property in Jones County. The Chancery Clerk's land records index goes back to the county's formation, with older records available on microfilm or digitized formats. Some counties in Mississippi offer online access to land records through subscription services or free public portals, though availability varies by county and users should contact the Chancery Clerk's office directly to determine current online access options. Property searches can be conducted in person at the Chancery Clerk's office during regular business hours. The Jones County Tax Assessor may also provide GIS mapping tools for viewing parcel boundaries and property information, which can typically be accessed through the county's website or at the Assessor's office.
Economy & Demographics
Ellisville's economy is significantly shaped by Jones College (formerly Jones County Junior College), which serves approximately 4,000 students and employs several hundred faculty and staff members, making it the city's largest employer and economic engine. The college's presence brings educational opportunities, cultural events, and steady economic activity to the community. Beyond education, Ellisville's economy reflects a mix of small businesses, retail establishments, professional services, and agricultural support industries typical of rural southeastern Mississippi.
The city benefits from its position as a Jones County seat, which brings government employment and related professional services including legal offices, title companies, and financial institutions. Healthcare services, though more concentrated in neighboring Laurel, provide employment for Ellisville residents. The median household income in Ellisville is estimated around $35,000-$40,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the community's small-town rural character and student population. Jones County's broader economy includes timber production, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, with major employers in Laurel such as South Central Regional Medical Center and various manufacturing facilities affecting the regional job market. Recent economic development efforts have focused on supporting small business growth, maintaining downtown vitality, and leveraging Jones College as a workforce development asset. Ellisville maintains its role as a stable, education-centered community within Jones County's economic landscape.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
The Ellisville Police Department, located at 4 Court Square, Ellisville, MS 39437, phone (601) 477-3441, provides law enforcement services within city limits. The department maintains records of incidents, arrests, and police reports that occurred within Ellisville's jurisdiction. Citizens may request copies of police reports by visiting the department in person during business hours or by submitting a written request. Some records may be restricted if they are part of an ongoing investigation or contain confidential information protected by law. The Jones County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 220 West Broad Street, Laurel, MS 39440, phone (601) 425-3147, provides law enforcement services throughout Jones County including unincorporated areas and backup support to municipal departments. The Sheriff's Office maintains records for county-level arrests, civil process service, and operates the Jones County Adult Detention Center. To search for current inmates and recent arrests, the public can access the Jones County jail roster online at the Sheriff's Office website or by contacting the detention facility directly. Inmate searches typically display booking photos, charges filed, bond amounts, booking dates, and projected release dates. Under Mississippi's Public Records Act (Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 through § 25-61-17), law enforcement agencies must provide access to public records upon request, though certain investigative materials and records involving juveniles may be exempt. Requesters should submit written requests specifying the records sought, and agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies.
Vital Records
Vital records for Ellisville residents are primarily handled at the state and county levels. Birth and death certificates are issued by the Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records Office, 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216, phone (601) 206-8200. Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $7 for additional copies.
Online ordering is available through VitalChek at an additional processing fee, and standard processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks, while expedited service is available for higher fees. Mississippi law restricts access to birth and death certificates to the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order or tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by the Jones County Chancery Clerk's Office at 410 Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437, phone (601) 477-3362. The marriage license fee is $21.00, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in Mississippi. Both parties must appear in person to apply, and valid photo identification is required. The Chancery Clerk also maintains marriage records dating back many decades. Divorce records are court records maintained by the Jones County Chancery Clerk's Office, as divorces are filed and granted through Chancery Court. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the Chancery Clerk for a fee. Mississippi vital records maintained at the state level date back to November 1912, though some earlier records may exist at the county level.
Business & Licensing Records
Business operations in Ellisville require compliance with city, county, and state regulations. The City of Ellisville requires business licenses for most commercial operations conducted within city limits. Business license applications and renewals are handled through Ellisville City Hall, 4 Court Square, Ellisville, MS 39437, phone (601) 477-3441. License fees vary depending on business type and size, and licenses typically must be renewed annually. Prospective business owners should contact City Hall for specific requirements and current fee schedules.
Fictitious business name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) in Mississippi are filed with the chancery clerk in the county where the business operates. For Ellisville businesses, this is the Jones County Chancery Clerk's Office at 410 Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437, phone (601) 477-3362. The DBA filing fee is typically around $25, and filings must be published in a local newspaper as required by state law. For formal business entity formation and registration, the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office maintains the Business Services Division, which handles corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other business entities. The Secretary of State's online Business Entity Database allows free searches of registered business names, registered agents, entity status, formation dates, and officer information at https://corp.sos.ms.gov. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements and lien searches are also filed with and searchable through the Mississippi Secretary of State. Business property owners can search commercial property tax assessments through the Jones County Tax Assessor's Office at (601) 428-0588.
Elections & Voter Records
Ellisville voters are served by the Jones County Circuit Clerk's Office, which administers elections for the county. The Circuit Clerk's Elections Division is located at 410 Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437, phone (601) 477-3651. Mississippi voters can register online through the Mississippi Secretary of State's Voter Registration portal at https://www.ms.gov/sos/voter-registration or by submitting a paper application to the Circuit Clerk. The voter registration deadline is 30 days before any election. Voters must provide identification when registering and when voting, with acceptable forms including a driver's license, photo ID card, government employee ID, or other approved identification. Ellisville conducts municipal elections for mayor and city council members; Mississippi municipalities typically hold elections in June of odd-numbered years following the April state primary cycle, with the next municipal elections scheduled for 2025. Ellisville voters can find their assigned polling location by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office or checking the Mississippi Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool. Mississippi provides public access to voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports through the Secretary of State's Campaign Finance Division, candidate qualifying information, and certified election results by precinct. In the November 2024 presidential election, Jones County saw voter turnout of approximately 55-60% of registered voters, consistent with statewide patterns. On November 3, 2026, Ellisville and Jones County voters will participate in federal midterm elections. Mississippi does not have a U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2026, but voters will elect Mississippi's four U.S. House representatives, with Ellisville located in Mississippi's 4th Congressional District. State legislative seats in the Mississippi House and Senate will also be on the ballot, along with potential county offices depending on term schedules. Mississippi allows absentee voting for specific qualifying reasons including being away from your county on election day, having a temporary or permanent disability, being 65 or older, or serving as a poll worker outside your precinct. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office, with deadlines varying by delivery method (in-person, mail, or online request).
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Property: ⚠️ Partial Online | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 6.5/10 — Jones County provides basic online access for state-level business and vital records with online voter registration, but most court, property, and local government records require in-person visits to county offices in Ellisville or Laurel, reflecting typical rural Mississippi transparency practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the process for someone who is arrested in Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Ellisville, Mississippi, you will be transported to the Jones County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Jones County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Jones County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2What are the school district and education performance data for Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi?
The Ellisville area is served by public school districts in Jones County, Mississippi. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Mississippi Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3What are the crime statistics for Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi?
Crime statistics for Ellisville, Mississippi are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Ellisville Police Department on their official website. The Mississippi Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi Library?
The Ellisville Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Mississippi government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5Where is the Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi Public Library located?
The Ellisville Public Library main branch is located in Ellisville, Mississippi. Check the Ellisville city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi?
Fingerprinting services in Ellisville, Mississippi are available through the Ellisville Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Jones County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Ellisville, Mississippi, contact the Mississippi Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Jones County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8About Police Reports
Police reports from Ellisville, Mississippi can be obtained from the Ellisville Police Department or the Jones County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Mississippi DMV.
9About background check
A background check in Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Mississippi criminal history report through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
Nearby Cities in Jones County, Mississippi
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: