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All supervisors were present for the Monday morning, October 16, 2023, meeting. President Donny Welch called the meeting to order.
Road Manager Ben Warren reported that employee Justin Brewer had completed his 6 month trial and was due a raise. The Board passed the measure.
A discussion was held concerning if the county or land owner was responsible for limbs hanging over a county road when damage occurred on vehicles. Edward McLendon brought a complaint to the board concerning a limb that hit his vehicle, broke his windshield, and did other damage to the vehicle. The Supervisors voted not to accept responsibility for the damage because the tree was on private land.
Ben Warren explained there are several areas in the county where a crossing is not actually a bridge. “19 feet wide is not a bridge. Many of the crossings are wooden. The culverts need to be replaced on these type crossings,” stated Warren.
A constant problem with the road crew is water lines on county property. According to Warren, “many lines actually run through the culvert as well as just lying on the ground hardly buried.” After much discussion, the Supervisors decided to begin a county wide campaign informing the public water lines on county property must be removed.
Tax collector Jamie Brewer hired Adrian Turner as the Homestead clerk.
Sheriff Paul Mullins reported:
Evan Sellers sheriff deputy new hire part time non certified $12.50 an hour.
Elizabeth Hill sheriff deputy new hire full time certified $18.70 per hour.
Billy Seghini sheriff full time certified K-9 deputy $18.70 per hour moved to Sergeant of Patrol $19.35 per hour.
Eric Still sheriff ‘s full time certified deputy $18.70 per hour move to Sergeant of Patrol $19.35 per hour.
Ashley Phillips dispatch new hire part time certified $13.75 per hour.
Jermaine Feazell jail new hire MDOT Trash Detail $13.75 per hour.
Approval of Motorola Body Camera Contract.
Approval of Coronavirus Emergency Supplement Funding Grant (CESF) in the amount of $10,000 ratify two quotes.
Rhuel Dickinson, County Administrator, presented the following items which were approved:
Claims Docket in the amount of $1,460,439.55 and electronic payment claims for VISA for Board of Supervisors in the amount of $547.83 and for the Sheriff in the amount of $830.41
September 2023 Completed Claims Docket to be made a part of the minutes for the Board President to sign.
The Financial reports, the Solid waste report, and monthly credit card report for the month of September
Renew the state of emergency for bridge repairs.
Audit representatives for the 2022 Fiscal Year Audit
Statement regarding fraud risk for the 2022 Fiscal Year Audit
Renewal of the annual membership in the MS Supervisors for the Fiscal year 2024 for $2,550
The renewal of the Circuit Clerk’s dues for the Fiscal year 2024 for MS Circuit Clerk association for $1,000
The renewal of the Road Manager’s dues in the MS Association of County Road Managers for fiscal year 2024 for $200.00
Rental of a road roller for $4,425 per month on State Contract from Herc Rentals
The Auction contract with JM Wood Auction Company for the sale of 2 Kenworth Dump Trucks at the December 5 & 6 2023 auction sale. $420,000 is the guaranteed sale price for both trucks combined. The auction fee is 7%
The software update to meet the State’s new requirements for Finger Pro ID package for Sheriff’s office for $1,390 for FY 2023 and FY 2024 ($695 per year)
Appoint Mrs. Peggy Kelly to the CMRL board for a new term beginning immediately in October.
Ratify the lowest quotation of Landworx for 4 large tank car culverts 9’ 10” for $58,000.
Ratify the lowest quotation of Landworx for 18’ 7” X 37’ 8”for $11,400
Ratify the lowest quote of Southern Pippe for 60’ X 30’ plastic culvert for $3,639
Board payment of $25,000 to the 7 volunteer fire departments from the County Fire Funds
The following items are for acknowledgment and recorded in the Board minutes:
MS Department of Archives and History notice of the Mendenhall Hotel and Revolving Table Restaurant in Mendenhall has been entered on the National Register of Historic places.
Notice from the MS Department of Mental Health of the new requirements for certification of mental health holding facilities.
Corrected Circuit Court Order increasing the Salary of the Deputy Court Administrator Darlene Therrel to $64,200 with a percentage due from each county in the 13th district.
Correct Circuit Court Order increasing the Salary of the Staff Attorney Ray Therrell to $94,800 to be paid 50% from each Circuit Judge State Support budget and from the counties of the district if needed.
The following items were not approved by the Board:
The water line damage claim of Barbara Barefield on Jeff Alexander Road for approx. $400 water bill and $1,500 plumbing repair cost
The damage claim of Jesse Mitchell , MS Gulf Coast, for windshield damage from Road Department Truck.
The damage claim of Sherida Crump 1209A Bridgeport Road Pinola for damage to her water line caused by the Road Department in the amount of $187.50 for excess water bill
The next Board meeting is Monday, November 6, 2023 Bid Opening SAP64 (17)M Old River Road guardrails
County Fire coordinator Jason Busby reminded the board and citizens that the county is still under a burn ban. “In the past two months, we have only had 1/10” of rain,” stated Busby. Jason informed the board that the Strike Force Team has been stationed in Simpson County to assist with forest fires.
Charlie Welch reported on the progress at the Court House. The down spouts and gutters were ok on the building. The money allotted for spouts and gutters will be used on lighting. The roof is complete. A problem with the windows is requiring additional work. Charlie was not pleased with the appearance of the windows and would not accept the drawings. A change order for windows will be filed. Sidewalks at the Trustee Hall will be installed next. January 1, 2024 is the date for completion of the Courthouse renovations.
The meeting was adjourned for executive session.
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