Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
Board President Danny Craft called the meeting to order following the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. The July 2025 minutes were approved.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray presented the following items:
Lockharts Request Assistance with Solid Waste Bill. 
Thomas and Sandra Lockhart of 306 Ella Walker Road, Magee, appeared before the Board to request assistance with a solid waste bill totaling approximately $1,700. The couple stated they had not lived at the address for many years and were unaware of the charges accumulating.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart explained they are disabled—Mrs. Lockhart having suffered a stroke and Mr. Lockhart being blind. Mrs. Lockhart pleaded with the Board, saying, “We need help.”
Board members expressed sympathy for the couple’s situation but explained that they are unable to remove charges without documentation to support the claims. It was also noted that no solid waste payments had been made in the past 10 years.
The Board recommended the Lockharts contact a government agency that provides assistance with utility bills.
Magee Fire Department Considers Expansion
Michael Allan of the Magee Fire Department addressed the Board with a proposal to expand the department’s coverage to several additional areas in the county. The goal of the expansion is to help lower insurance ratings for some county residents.
The Board tabled the request, pending more detailed information about the specific areas proposed for coverage.
Road Manager’s Report
Jeremy Bolton, Road Manager, reported that the probation period for Rayford Phillips and Henry Fortenberry has been completed, resulting in a higher hourly wage for both employees.
The Board approved declaring surplus assets and sending them to the JM Wood Auction.
Bolton also made several requests, all of which were approved by the Board:
- Water Line Notice: Permission to send letters to residents with exposed water lines on private property, requiring the lines to be buried according to utility/right-of-way regulations by October 1, 2025.
- Flooding Signs: Approval to purchase and install “Road is subject to flooding” signs at flood-prone locations, including Ainsworth, Manning, Bearcat, Hollins, Gum Sprints, and others.
- Sheriff’s Range Project: Approval to assist with work on the Simpson County Sheriff’s shooting range and donate a culvert for training purposes.
Sheriff Paul Mullins gave the following report:
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer reported that solid waste adjustments for July have been completed; the July surrender tag list is finalized, and changes to Real and Personal Property have also been completed..
County Administrator Charlie Welch presented the following items for approval by the Board:
Attorney Danny Welch requested an Executive Session.
Board members and guests recessed to view the new Braxton Fire Truck.
The next scheduled meeting is scheduled for August 15, 2025 at 8:00 AM.
MageeNews.com is the online news source for Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi