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A packed courtroom, with concerned citizens opposing the tax increase for Simpson County Schools, greeted the Simpson County Board of Supervisors Monday, August 8, 2023.
Attached is a copy of the document given to the board of Supervisors explaining his interpretation of handling school board Ad Val tax levy request.
According to Mississippi Law upon the receipt of the schools board’s order requiting the ad valorem tax efforts in dollars, the Board of Supervisors are required to determine the millage rate necessary to generate funds equal to the dollar amount requested by the school board. Miss Code /ann. 37-57-104(1).
Attorney George Whitten representing a group of citizens against the Simpson County School Board, consolidation, and tax increase spoke to the board. Mr. Whitten advise the board they do not have to approved any tax increase from the School District. Previously, Marion County Supervisors denied a request to approve their school board increase and lost the case. Mr. Whitten stated “the attorney for Marion County Supervisors was not aware of what the state’s constitution saids!” The board heard all the comments from Mr. Whitten.
Attached is a copy of the document given to the Board of Supervisors explaining his interpretation of handling school board Ad Valorem tax levy request.
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Open in new tab The public was allowed to make comments at the end of the meeting. Concern citizen Paul Barry addressed the board and expressed his appreciation for each Supervisor and reminded them their duty to represent the citizens of Simpson County. Barry advised the citizens wanted the Supervisors to vote against any tax increase from the school district even at the expense of the taxpayer. Barry asked the Supervisors to vote no Ad Valorem tax increase. If the Supervisors voted no to a tax increase (Miss Code /ann. 37-57-104(1) the school district would sue for a shortfall; therefore, voting no could result in higher taxes due to paying the shortfall, interest, and penalties. Barry stated concerned citizens would rather pay the penalties and higher tax in the long run to vote against a school board that was not open to hearing from any citizens.
Berry advised the school board has a hidden agenda. He wanted to know how do you have a school that was a F rating and a principal who brought the school to a B rating and he is relieved of his duties! ( A video of Mr. Berry is attached below)
Mr. Lee McCoy addressed the Supervisors with concerns against the tax increase the agenda the School Board is seeking.
All comments and statements were taken under advisement.
Buddy Wolverton, County Engineer, reported the status of State-Aid & LSSBP as of July 31, 2023
- SAP-64(64)– Grade, drain, base and surface for Star to Braxton. 50.05%% completions with 78.46% Elapsed time. Contractor continuing with earthwork operation, installing side drains.
- LSBP-64(24)– Bridge Replacement Shorter Road – 90% Complete. 85% Elapsed time. Contractor has completed box bridge, approaches, and seeded site. Have requested final inspection.
- SAP-64(65)– (Bridge Replacement) Advertising! Open bids on Tuesday, September 5. 2023 @ 9:00 a.m.
- LSBP-64(25) – Bridge Replacement Peacock Road – Office Review Plans were mailed to State Aid on July 25, 2022. Mailed out utility agreements, can start right of way acquisition.
- ERBR-64(03) – Bridge Replacement Saratoga- Sharon Road – 28.68% completed and 32.31% Elapsed time. Contractor is driving piling and setting bridge caps.
- ERBR – 64(04) – Bridge Rehabilitation Harrisville – Braxton Road – 97.23% Complete 62.86% Elapse time. Final inspection held on July 24, 2023. Contractor has been given a punchlist.
- 2022 Simpson County Resurfacing Project – Roads 1A-5O – 88.58% Completed and 113.85% Elapsed time. Contractor has completed chip sealing on 91 of the 94 roads.
- SAP-64(17) M – (Guardrails) Old River Road – P.S.& E. Assembly mailed to State Aid January 3, 2023.
Nick Floyd Insurance presented the board with a proposal for insurance for the county. Shannon Young with Premier Bridge Strategies LLC assisted with the presentation. The board took the presentation under advisement and would consider in the coming weeks.
The road mangers report for July was approved by the board. Road Manager Ben Warren asked the board to approved three new hires within the road department. Warren advised clean up on the side of the roads is running slow from the storms due to the amount of debris. Chips seals projects are approaching the completion.
Tax Collector Jamie Brewer presented the changes to the real and personal property roles. The surrender tag list for July was provided for the board. Mississippi Hub LLC submitted an objection for the 2023 taxes. The board entered executive session for further discussion and mediation concerning Mississippi Hub.
Sheriff Paul Mullins requested permission for Shea Seghini and Donna Smith to attend Sex Offender Registration and Compliance Symposium on September 18-21 at the Oxford Conference Center in Lafayette County. The cost of meals, hotel and travel will be covered. Sharon Fewell and AJ Brown requested to attend the 2023 Mississippi 911 Conference October 22-27 at the IP Casino in Biloxi. Hotel cost, meals and travel to be covered. B J Abron requested to attend Harrison County Law Enforcement Academy August 27, 2023 at a cost of $4000 tuition plus cost of cadet uniforms. The aboard approved the request.
The board approved to move Cody Moulds from full time to part-time. B J Abron and William Hutson were approved as new hires.
Election Worker Pay was increased as allowed by Senate Bill 2353 effective July 1 2023. The board approved to pay $200 per poll worker and an additional $25 travel per way for the poll manager during an election.
Future Board Meetings:
- Tuesday, August 15, 2023
- Tuesday, September 5, 2023
- Friday, September 15, 2023
- Friday, September 29, 2023
- Monday, October 2, 2023
- Monday, October 16, 2023
Future Holidays:
- Labor Day – Monday, September 4, 2023
A video of the meeting is attached for viewing.
MageeNews.com is an online news source serving Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.
