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The Simpson County Board of Supervisors met Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Simpson County Courthouse in Mendenhall. Board President Wayne Womack called the meeting to order.
Supervisor Mitchell Chatman opened the meeting with prayer, followed by the National Anthem.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray presented the June 2026 meeting minutes for approval. In addition to the minutes, supervisors approved three routine items presented by the Chancery Clerk. The Board acknowledged and recorded the 2026 Public Utility Roll for Simpson County, which includes all utility companies for which assessments have been finalized. Supervisors also acknowledged and recorded two Section 16 Public School Trust Land hunting and fishing lease agreements, including a five-year lease for W.A. Trinker and a lease for Gregory H. Magee.
Justice Court Clerk Joyce Ann Hicks presented her June 2026 Justice Court report and submitted the court’s second-quarter report covering the months of April, May, and June. During the quarter, Justice Court processed a total of 1,967 cases, including 961 pleas, 321 trials, 282 civil cases, and 403 past-due matters. The report was received and entered into the official record.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton presented the June Road Department report, which was approved by the Board.
Bolton reported the promotion of Rusty Wildman to a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) position with an hourly pay rate of $16.45.
The Board also approved the disposal of three Road Department assets that were determined to be damaged beyond repair. The equipment included a STIHL Extenda Saw and two STIHL chainsaws, which have been turned over for disposal.
Sheriff Paul Mullins presented several requests for the Board’s consideration, all of which were approved.
Supervisors approved payment of the June 2026 Summit Food Services invoice totaling $26,897.09 for meals provided at the Simpson County Jail.
The Board also ratified the Sheriff’s Office purchase of a drone at a cost of $7,000, which will be used to assist with law enforcement operations, emergency response, and search and rescue efforts.
In addition, supervisors approved payment of a $2,773 invoice from LeadsOnline, an investigative database used by law enforcement agencies to assist in tracking stolen property and supporting criminal investigations.
Personnel changes within the Sheriff’s Department were also approved. Schynies Williamson was promoted from a part-time certified jail position earning $14.75 per hour to a full-time certified position with an hourly wage of $15.40.
Tax Assessor and Collector Jamie Brewer informed the Board that the county’s edited tax rolls are now open for public inspection. Brewer also reported that the county’s one-mill application has been completed.
In addition, Brewer submitted the June Solid Waste Report and the list of surrendered vehicle tags for the Board’s review. The reports were received and entered into the official record. As is customary, these reports were presented to the Board but were not read aloud during the public meeting.
County Administrator Charlie Welch presented several administrative and financial items for the Board’s consideration, all of which were approved.
Supervisors approved the July 6 claims docket totaling $359,541.37 and authorized the continuation of the county’s emergency order for bridge repairs.
The Board approved the county jail’s biannual sanitation inspection at a cost of $500, a requirement necessary to maintain the Simpson County Jail’s accreditation standards. Supervisors also approved a computer software support agreement with Harris-Delta for Fiscal Year 2027 at a monthly cost of $5,748.47 and ratified a consulting services agreement with Lambert’s Accounting through May 31, 2027.
In personnel matters, the Board adopted a policy establishing retiree compensation under House Bill 407-3. The policy maintains the historical retiree pay rate at 50 percent, while allowing the Board to approve higher compensation on a case-by-case basis when operational needs justify an exception. Supervisors also amended the county’s Employee Handbook to include the new retiree compensation policy.
The Board approved using surplus Tasers as trade-in credit toward the purchase of new units for the Sheriff’s Department. In addition, supervisors declared a 1998 Yamaha Timberwolf 250 ATV as surplus property and authorized the acceptance of sealed bids. Bids will be accepted until 8 a.m. on August 3, 2026, at which time they will be publicly opened.
Financial actions included approval of a $22,857.98 Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) journal entry to distribute funds to Co-Lin accounts for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and a $23,667.97 journal entry correcting the Rail Car Tax Settlement allocation.
Supervisors also ratified the emergency purchase of two compressors for the Chancery Building chiller system at a cost of $15,310. Welch explained the purchase was necessary after repeated electrical surges threatened the operation of the building’s cooling system, which could have disrupted county operations and placed computers, electronic equipment, and official records at risk.
The Board also ratified the purchase of two 36-inch aluminized steel culverts for use on May Road at a cost of $6,084, with Dial submitting the lowest of four bids received.
Additional actions included acknowledging the county’s July asphalt and gravel quotes, approving the purchase of 300 tons of No. 8 limestone from Solid Rock MS for $20,100, recording a Memorandum of Understanding between the Simpson County Board of Supervisors and all Simpson County fire departments regarding the FY2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant, and acknowledging receipt of the Simpson County School District’s FY2027 budget request and supporting documentation.
County Attorney Danny Welch provided legal clarification to the Board concerning several ongoing matters before the county. His comments were informational, and no action was required.
Following the completion of the regular agenda, the Simpson County Board of Supervisors voted to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters, as permitted under Mississippi law. No additional public action was taken before the meeting adjourned.
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