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The November 15, 2024, Board of Supervisors meeting was called to order by board president Mitchell Chatman prayer and Pledge of Allegiance followed.
Chancer Clerk Tim Gray was first on the agenda.
Greg Bonds, county engineer, informed the board the New Hope project is underway. A ride around checking county roads is scheduled for later in the month. All supervisors are invited to participate. The supervisors are planning a work session with the date to be named later.
Wayne Womack asked Greg to check Poplar Springs Road to 540. “Work is needed,” stated Womack.
Information was shared on the Highway 28 bridge. A situation has developed with the construction company, which is out of Florida, causing even more back log in moving forward. The bridge will be down at least 12 more months.
Greg stated there was no reason to begin paving other roads near the bridge because of possible damage to the road during the bridge construction period.
Sheriff Paul Mullins presented the following:
Tax assessor Jamie Brewer informed the board the changes to real and property rolls is completed.
John Kilpatrick, E911, reported 1,456 calls during the month of October. Burn ban is removed.
Patrick West appeared before the board requesting permission to move forward with the building of a rubbish pit. Mr. West was informed a detailed process set by the government must be completed before any permission can be given. A county wide citizens meeting will be held later as part of the process.
District Attorney Chris Hennis came before the board requesting additional internet coverage for the DA office at the Simpson County Court House. Lack of internet coverage is causing safety issues. The board voted to pursue options for additional internet coverage.
Jeremy Bolton requested permission to begin the process to advertise for a large dump truck. Three dump trucks are scheduled for auction in March.
Citizen Ruth Bowen appeared before the board questioning a charge on her solid waste bill. According to Mrs. Bowen she did not live in the house nor did anyone in question since 2017. Mrs. Bowen stated the solid waste department informed her she would need a utility bill showing the date the water service ended. She obtained a Braxton city water bill which proved she had not lived in the house during that time. The solid waste department would not accept the water bill as a utility bill informing her that an electric bill would be needed. Mrs. Bowen could not understand why a water bill would not serve as a utility bill.
Tax assessor Jamie Brewer stated she was “following the law “and needed an electric bill.
Until the past due amount of $1,200 is paid the water will not be turned on.
Mrs. Bowen is requesting the board consider her situation and proof provided to forgive the past due amount.
After a lengthy discussion, Mrs. Bowen stated she would again work with Entergy to obtain a usage form.
Mr. Skiffer requested to speak before the board concerning the public-school funding being cut. (because the board did not vote for a 4% increase). The supervisors explained the board had not cut funding. Due to explicit information not provided in the funding request, the board felt they could not agree to a 4% increase.
“It’s a sad day for Simpson County, “stated Skiffer.
The meeting was adjourned for a special session.