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A highlight of the meeting was the recognition of Dawn McMullan, Deputy Clerk and Data Entry Clerk in the Simpson County Tax Assessor/Collector’s Office, who is retiring after 21 years of service to Simpson County. Supervisors approved a resolution honoring McMullan for her years of dedication and commitment to county government.
Attorney Danny Welch opened the June 15 meeting of the Simpson County Board of Supervisors with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
During public comments, Simpson County resident Lori King addressed the board regarding the condition of H.B. Smith Road. King said the roadway has been in poor condition for years, noting that much of the asphalt has deteriorated and numerous large potholes have developed along the route.
King directed her concerns to the board and specifically to District 2 Supervisor Danny Craft. She explained that residents who travel the road daily have faced ongoing issues due to its condition and respectfully asked the board to consider improvements.
Craft acknowledged the concerns and agreed that the condition of the road is serious. He explained that previous work performed on the roadway years ago was not properly installed, contributing to the continuing problems. Craft said H.B. Smith Road remains on the county’s list of roads slated for repairs and that the north end of the roadway will be among the first sections addressed when funding becomes available.
While no timetable was provided for the project, supervisors assured King that the road remains a priority for future improvements. Board members thanked King for her respectful presentation and for bringing the concerns of area residents to their attention.
Tax Assessor/Collector Jamie Brewer delivered a heartfelt tribute to McMullan, reflecting on her professionalism, loyalty, and the countless ways she has served both the office and the citizens of Simpson County. Family members, friends, and county employees were present as McMullan was recognized for her contributions and wished well in her retirement.
During public comments, county resident Lori King appeared before the board regarding the condition of H.B. Smith Road. King explained that the roadway has been in poor condition for years, noting deteriorated pavement and large potholes that have created ongoing concerns for residents.
King addressed her comments to the board and specifically to District 2 Supervisor Danny Craft. Craft acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and explained that previous work performed on the roadway years ago had not been properly installed, contributing to continuing problems. He said H.B. Smith Road remains on the county’s list for repairs and that the north end of the road will be among the first sections addressed when funding becomes available. While no timetable was given, supervisors assured King the road remains a priority.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray presented several items for board consideration. Supervisors acknowledged a Mississippi Department of Revenue exemption certification involving the Howard Industries Lighting Division Free Port Warehouse. The board also considered an application for a 10-year ad valorem tax exemption for the Howard Industries Lighting Division manufacturing plant under provisions of Mississippi law.
Chris Richardson Provides Grant Update to Supervisors
Chris Richardson presented an update on several grant applications and funding opportunities benefiting Simpson County, local fire departments, emergency management, and law enforcement.
Richardson reported that several grant applications have been successful, including:
- A COPS Technology Grant totaling $156,409.01 for radios, license plate readers, body armor, and body cameras.
- A Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) award of $26,000 for Simpson County Emergency Management to purchase a Polaris Ranger ATV. Award notification is expected soon.
- Southern Pine Electric Members Helping Members Grants totaling $10,000 each for the Magee Volunteer Fire Department and Harrisville Park.
- A Department of Justice FY2027 Byrne Discretionary Grant Program request of $302,101.74 for six fully equipped patrol vehicles. Richardson noted the application is awaiting congressional action, with funding decisions expected within six to nine months.
Richardson also discussed grant applications currently in progress, including a regional FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application involving seven departments with an anticipated award of approximately $150,000.
Several funding requests remain under review. Among those are Community Development Spending requests before the U.S. Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Committee, including $1.8 million for Old River Road and $2.4 million for Bridgeport Road improvements.
Additional grant applications awaiting response include:
- A Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant seeking $25,000 for extrication equipment for the Magee Volunteer Fire Department.
- A T-Mobile Hometown Revitalization Grant that would fund improvements at Harrisville, Marvin Jackson Park, and Skiffer Park.
- A Mississippi Office of Highway Safety Impaired Driving Grant requesting $7,000 for high-visibility safety vests and breathalyzers.
Sheriff Paul Mullins presented several personnel and training requests. Supervisors approved renewal of the ROCIC 2026-2027 invoice in the amount of $500 and approved attendance at training programs for sheriff’s department personnel.
Personnel actions approved included the hiring of Jaevon Riley as a full-time certified deputy, the promotion of AnnaLeigh Ragsdale to full-time certified deputy, the transfer of James Johnston to full-time jail staff, and the hiring of Schynies Williamson as a part-time certified jail employee.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton requested approval of the department’s May maintenance report, which was approved. Supervisors also approved the hiring of Jonathan Ladd as a part-time non-CDL employee at a rate of $14.45 per hour.
Emergency Management Director John Kilpatrick reported that Simpson County received 1,592 calls through the county’s 911 system during the reporting period. Kilpatrick informed the board that his department is preparing to complete a grant application that requires additional and more detailed information than previous submissions.
Kilpatrick also discussed the need to upgrade radio consoles used by law enforcement officers. The proposed upgrade would cost approximately $25,000 for the project, equating to roughly $1,000 per officer. Following the discussion, supervisors approved moving forward with the purchase of the radio consoles.
Following the completion of regular business, the Board of Supervisors entered into executive session.
County Engineer Greg Bonds requested permission to readvertise several projects with bids scheduled to be received on July 20. Bonds reported that state aid roads throughout Simpson County have been inspected and commended county road crews for the quality of their work and ongoing maintenance efforts.
Emergency Management Director John Kilpatrick reported that Simpson County’s 911 system handled 1,592 calls during the reporting period. Kilpatrick informed supervisors that his office is preparing a grant application requiring additional detailed information and discussed the need to upgrade radio consoles used by law enforcement officers.
The proposed radio console upgrade carries a cost of approximately $25,000, or roughly $1,000 per officer. Supervisors approved moving forward with the purchase.
Charlie Welch County Administrator:
- Claims docket approved in the amount of $512,045.48
- Financial reports for May 2026
- Acceptance of highest sealed bidders from June 1 bid opening
- Two 2024 Western Star garbage trucks declared surplus for trade-in
- Selection of second-highest bidder for Asset No. 2637 after highest bidder deemed ineligible
- Ambulance service contract with Covington County Hospital approved, increasing monthly cost from $21,318.00 to $25,484.67, with annual 2% inflation adjustments
- Authorization to pay off Bond No. 136 contingent upon trade-in and financing of replacement vehicles
- Parks and Recreation May 2026 financial report acknowledged
- Limestone quotes received from Solid Rock MS and Warren Paving
- State Aid Road annual maintenance inspection notice acknowledged
- Addition of Chasity Tullos to the District Attorney’s Payroll Clearing Fund at no cost to Simpson County
- Audit-related documentation authorized
- Future board meeting dates announced
- MAS Annual Convention reminder
- July 3 county holiday observance for Independence Day
Among routine county business, supervisors approved claims totaling $512,045.48, accepted monthly financial reports, approved several bid-related matters, acknowledged Parks and Recreation financial reports, approved updates related to the county ambulance service agreement, and authorized several audit-related documents.
The board also approved adding Chasity Tullos to the District Attorney’s Payroll Clearing Fund at no cost to Simpson County, as all salary and related expenses will be paid by the District Attorney’s Office.
Following completion of regular business, supervisors entered executive session before adjourning.
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