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The Simpson County Board of Supervisors met Monday, August 3, 2026, with Board President Wayne Womack calling the meeting to order. Chancery Clerk Tim Gray opened the meeting with prayer, followed by the National Anthem.
The meeting began with the opening of bids for Asset No. 3912, a 1998 Yamaha Timberwolf ATV. Attorney Danny Welch announced that Luther Daughdrill submitted the highest bid of $301.99. Supervisors unanimously approved a motion to accept the high bid. The Board also approved the July meeting minutes and the consent agenda.
The Board then conducted the required public hearing on the 2026 county tax rolls, providing taxpayers the opportunity to address objections to their property assessments. Three property owners filed objections to their 2026 real and personal property assessments.
One property owner questioned the assessment on a commercial building located in Magee’s Tuscan Towers, explaining that the property’s assessed value was $83,000 and noting that the building currently has only one tenant. Following discussion, the Board voted to table all three tax assessment appeals, with each property owner expected to return at the next Board meeting to provide additional information supporting their requests for tax reductions.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray also presented documentation confirming that the required legal notice informing taxpayers that the 2026 county tax rolls had been equalized in accordance with Mississippi law had been properly published. The Board acknowledged the proof of publication and entered it into the official minutes. Gray further advised that the 2026 real and personal property tax rolls are now available for public inspection and examination and that taxpayers wishing to file objections may do so in accordance with state law.
A representative of Good Hope, Inc., a land and timber company, appeared before the Board seeking clarification regarding a $3,500 assessment for damage to a county roadway following a logging operation.
The representative explained that the company had never previously been charged for roadway damage and questioned why Good Hope, Inc. was being held responsible, noting that multiple logging trucks had traveled the road during the project. The damaged roadway serves property owned by Timothy Bogan.
Board President Wayne Womack explained that the Board’s responsibility is to protect county roads and the taxpayers who fund their maintenance.
“We are not against loggers, but we must protect the taxpayers and their roads,” Womack said. “It is unfair to put the burden on the taxpayers for damages caused by logging companies.”
Womack added that the county utilizes an application that tracks active logging operations and said that most logging companies notify the county when roadway issues occur. Although loggers pay an annual $100 permit fee for logging privileges, the Board allowed the $3,500 assessment against Good Hope, Inc. to remain in place.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton presented the Road Department’s report for the month of July, which was approved by the Board. Supervisors approved the hiring of Scott Vining as a non-CDL employee at $14.45 per hour and also approved the county’s updated four-year road plan.
Bolton informed the Board of a utility conflict involving AT&T at a culvert on Jerry Road. The Board also approved posting a 30 mph speed limit on Oak Grove Road and accepted a $1,500 bid to remove five dead trees on Janice Road for safety purposes.
County Engineer Greg Bounds reported that the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is scheduled to pave Dallas Road and announced that the D’Lo Bridge project is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
Sheriff Paul Mullins presented the Sheriff’s Department report, and the Board approved Summit Food Services’ July inmate meal invoices totaling $21,698.29.
The Board also approved several Sheriff’s Department personnel recommendations. Gregory McGill was hired as a full-time, non-certified dispatcher, while Annette Turner and LaShonda Mabry were hired as part-time certified dispatchers. Cedrick Crosby joined the Sheriff’s Office as a part-time, non-certified jail employee.
Several personnel changes were also approved. Sharon Fewell was promoted to Dispatch Assistant TAC, Crystal Scarborough transferred to Court Services, and Mario McNair and Guy Morrow were both promoted to the rank of Corporal.
Tax Collector Jamie Brewer reported that all real and personal property changes for the month of July have been completed. Brewer also informed the Board that the July 2026 surrendered tag list has been finalized and that the solid waste credit report for the month is complete.
County Administrator Charlie Welch presented several administrative and financial items for the Board’s consideration.
The Board approved the August 3 claims docket totaling $184,294.07 and authorized the continued extension of the county’s Emergency Order for Bridge Repairs.
Supervisors declared a 2021 Dodge Durango as surplus property and also voted to retire K-9 Hanz from the county’s inventory following the Sheriff’s Office drug detection dog’s recent passing. Hanz was recognized for his faithful service and dedication to the citizens of Simpson County.
The Board approved an $88 payment to the Circuit Clerk’s Office for the preparation and submission of statistical marriage records. Supervisors also approved a $375 reimbursement to Israel Drummond after determining that a rock from a county dump truck damaged the windshield of his vehicle.
Additional approvals included $9,000 for the annual software renewal and maintenance of the county’s electronic poll books, the ratification of a $5,800 emergency purchase of a culvert to repair a major washout on Gun Springs Road, and the purchase of plastic culverts for the Pinola Barn and Central Barn totaling more than $19,700.
The Board approved travel expenses for Ted Warren to attend the Mississippi SWANA Fall Conference in Natchez.
Among other business, supervisors acknowledged a letter requesting that MDOT resurface Dallas Street in D’Lo and install new traffic markings. The Board also acknowledged receipt of the County Administrator’s recommended Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which will be reviewed during upcoming work sessions, along with several monthly reports and bid documents.
During Board comments, Supervisor Danny Craft reminded residents that homeowners are responsible for cleaning up garbage scattered along county roads following residential trash collection. Craft said that if the debris is not removed within a reasonable amount of time, the county may clean the area and assess the property owner for the cost, with the charge being added to the landowner’s property tax bill.
Emergency Management Director John Kilpatrick received approval to apply for a FEMA SMACK Grant, and Circuit Clerk Whitt Fortenberry was authorized to pay $40 per poll worker for required election training.
With all regular business concluded, the Simpson County Board of Supervisors voted to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. Following the executive session, the meeting was adjourned.
