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The regularly scheduled Simpson County Board of Supervisors was called to order by
President Mitchell Chapman followed by prayer and the pledge of allegiance.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray announced a public hearing notice of proposed adoption of a comprehensive plan for Simpson County, Mississippi was held. All present signed the form. Proof of publication is on file. The March 2024 minutes were approved. Howard Industry was granted an extended exemption for 5 years.
Simpson County school board member Stanley Bulger came before the board to express his sincere apology to Sheriff Paul Mullins concerning what he said was miscommunication. “The Sheriff and sheriff’s department have been outstanding to work with,” explained Bulger.
Mr. Bulger said SROs are very important in schools. The board is working on a plan for officers at all buildings.
Mr. Bulger informed the public that consolidation is still in the plans. The case is before the Supreme Court, and a ruling is expected by April 15, 2024. “The law is clear,” stated Bulger. Consolidation is a means of reducing our cost. The footprint of the buildings must be reduced. The cost is $27 million to build a consolidated school. The cost to build a Mendenhall Junior High is anywhere from $20-24 million. Again, Mr. Bulger thanked the board for their continued support.
David Wade of Central Mississippi Planning and Development (CMPD) presented the proposed Plan Use Plan 2023. Wayne Womack made a motion to accept the plan which Donny Welch seconded. The motion passed.
Road manager Ben Warren discussed the problem with loggers tearing up the county roads. “The people are in and out in 4 days…no one has a permit…and we do not have knowledge of the company,” stated Warren. The trucks are tearing up roadbeds and ditches. No ordinances are in place to address this ongoing problem.
Greg Bonds, county engineer, announced a “ride the roads” will be held May 1st and 2nd . Any supervisor who would like to participate is invited to do so. “There are 21 timber bridges in the county…two are not owned by the county,” stated Bonds. Mr. Bonds expressed the urgency of working toward replacing all the timber bridges. The bridges have been ranked by high risk. Members of the board agreed to work the list beginning with the highest risk bridge.
Judy Lee, member of the Bicentennial committee, asked permission to open the court house 4 times in June for events. The board agreed.
Jamie Brewer, tax assessor, reminded everyone that Solid Waste bills are paid at the court house and not the Board of Supervisors office.
Sheriff report:
John Kilpatrick stated the most dangerous intersection in the county is located near Puckett Body Shop. Permits are continuously being purchased. “Our county is growing,” stated Kilpatrick. Plans for a County shelter are still in the works. “It is a great time to live in our county,” according to Kilpatrick.
Charlie Welch explained that we are getting ready for elections. Solid waste collections are at the Court House. Solid waste bills should be mailed this week.
Don Marion and Joseph Spencer appeared before the Board to request a permit for their business, Mother Ship Genetics. The business will be located in the old Antique building on highway 49 south #517. The building will have a 6-foot privacy fence around the back of the building. 16 cameras will be at the location. The business will begin with 3 employees with potential growth. “No one else in the state is trying to do this,” stated Marion. The business will cultivate and grow genetic cannabis plants. No retail sales will be processed at this location. The plants will be pure genetic. A cultivation permit is $2,500. Following discussion, the permit was granted.
David Keyes, Dylan Sanford, and Angie Berry from Assured Partners (formerly Insurance Associates) came before the Board to discuss insurance premium cost. As with everything, cost continue to climb. The county actually has a good insurance rate, according to Mr. Keyes. The new contract was approved for April 2024 to April 2025.
County Administrator Eric Bowen gave the following report.
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