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Following Tuesday morning’s public hearing on the proposed FY 2026–2027 budget and tax levy, the Simpson County Board of Supervisors moved into its regular meeting on September 8, addressing road projects, county finances, law enforcement and other county business.
The meeting opened with prayer led by Ralph Walker, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Board approved the August 2026 minutes before moving into departmental reports and other business.
Windshield Damage Brought Before Board
Israel Drummond appeared before the supervisors concerning damage to his vehicle’s windshield.
Drummond told the Board that he met a county dump truck on the road and a rock came from the truck and cracked his windshield. He questioned why the county would not pay for the repair.
The matter had previously been considered by the Board, which voted not to pay for the windshield damage.
Road Department Reports Progress
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton presented the August road report and updated supervisors on county road work.
Bolton reported that the asphalt crew had completed this year’s project and was beginning chip seal work on the remaining eight miles. Following completion of the chip seal work, the crew is expected to return to asphalt work in preparation for next year’s road mileage.
Personnel matters included the hiring of Robert Ainsworth as a non-CDL employee at $14.45 per hour and the promotion of Tymel Simms from part-time to full-time, also at $14.45 per hour.
County Engineer Greg Bonds informed supervisors that a pre-construction meeting had been held for the Athens Road project.
Sheriff Presents Monthly Expenses and Training
Simpson County Sheriff Paul Mullins reported that August invoices from Summit Food Services totaled $26,854.
The Board also considered training for dispatchers Greg McGill, Brittany Walker, Dianna Perkins and Lashondra Mabry, who are scheduled to attend a 40-hour basic class at the Simpson County E-911 Building September 14–18. The cost for books is $25 per person, for a total of $100.
Tax Assessor-Collector Report
Tax Assessor-Collector Jamie Brewer presented the list of surrendered tags for August along with the August Solid Waste credit report.
Brewer also presented one change to real property taxes and one mill application.
County Administrator Presents Authorizations
County Administrator Charlie Welch presented a number of financial and administrative matters to the Board.
Among the items was the September 8 claims docket totaling $334,063.28 and the continued extension of the county’s emergency order for bridge repairs.
The Board was also presented with a CTC agreement for the Simpson County Jail. According to information provided to supervisors, changes in Federal Communications Commission guidelines governing inmate calling services and facility compensation are projected to result in the county losing more than $19,000 in annual revenue from inmate telephone services.
Other items presented included a $700 annual ArcGIS Online subscription for the Tax Assessor’s Office; a $3,656.50 annual service contract for the EventideDX Recorder at the E-911 Center; and $3,858 for one year of maintenance, hardware and off-site data backup for the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office.
The Board also considered $500 for advertising county resources on the new scoreboard at the Mendenhall football field. County documents noted that the county has historically budgeted and provided between $200 and $300 in support.
An agreement between Simpson County and Pharos Consulting Services for training election officials was also among the administrative matters. The agreement lists a rate of $200 per hour.
Monthly asphalt and gravel quotations for September were acknowledged, with provisions allowing the county to use the next-lowest qualified vendor when material is unavailable from the primary bidder.
Community Development had no report, and Board Attorney Danny Welch had no report.
The meeting was recessed.
Video of the September 8 Simpson County Board of Supervisors meeting is included below.
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