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The May 7, 2018 Simpson County Board of Supervisors Meeting was called to order by President Brian Kennedy. All supervisors were present.
County Engineer Buddy Wolverton presented a status update on State-Aid, Federal-Aid, and LSBP projects.
Cox Road: 95.75% complete. Contractor has completed construction of box bridge, approaches, paving, and striping. Final inspection was held on April 25, 2018. The contractor has been given the punch list.
Pine Grove Road, Waters Road, Lower Sanatorium (Golf Course) Road, & John Owens Road. These roads are to be resurfaced only (no base repairs and no leveling). 90.80% is complete. Final inspection has been conducted. Contractor has been give punch list.
Mt Zion to Shiver Road (resurfacing)
P.S. & E. assembly was mailed to State Aid on June 20, 2017. Awaiting funding.
Heed-Neely Road (Bridge)
P.S. & E. assembly was mailed to State Aid on February 27, 2018. Awaiting funding
Eight bridges in Simpson County are eligible for LSBP. A road or bridge must be LSBP eligible for funds to be used for repair on roads and bridges in our county. The money for bridges and roads being discussed by the Governor are LSBP approved roads/bridges only. No state-aid or federal –aid roads/bridges could receive any of the funding.
Since Buddy Wolverton was hired as the county engineer, 41 bridges have been replaced. The goal was for two bridges per year to be repaired. Due to lack of funding, the number of bridges repaired has been reduced.
Ben Warren, county road manager, reported that “pot holes” are killing us. Weather and conditions of the roads keeps the county continually repairing many of the same holes. Warren stated, “I think we have the worst bridges behind us.” Work continues by the county to maintain and repair roads with available money.
Sheriff Donald O’Cain reported on the incident at Simpson Central. A bomb threat was sent to an administrator. The sheriff’s department borrowed 3 bomb sniffing dogs to canvas the 10 buildings at Simpson Central. No evidence of a bomb was found. Two deputies were stationed overnight at the school.
Sheriff O’Cain asked the board to approve dues payment to S.T.O.R.M. for deputies Shane Fewell and Billy Seghini. The dues are $30 each. The board approved.
Authorization for a vehicle rental for Laquita and Annie for their CAMA (jail training( on May 18-22nd in Louisville, KY. Cost for car rental is $270.00. Board approved.
Ebony Bass was moved from part-time Detention Officer to full time detention officer. Jasmin Catchings was hired as a part time detention officer.
County Tax Accessor, Charles Baldwin, reported that the surrender tag list was complete. The decrease and increase of taxes was discussed. Tax breaks for the former Pioneer Health Care building now owned by Trustmark were discussed. A general agreement noted that Trustmark owned the building and 5 acres in 2017 and would be responsible for 2017 taxes. Status of the smaller Pioneer Building is unclear at this time. Additional research will be done to clarify the time ownership of the building.
Diane Ashton Rawls was named the new deputy clerk. Board approved.
County Administrator Rhuell Dickerson presented his report.
The board approved; the claims docket of May 7, 2018 in the amount of $55,162.24; the Water Park Conveyance Agreement for the Merit Water Park and deed transferring ownership from the Pearl River Basin Development District to the Simpson County Board of Supervisors; the interim appointment of Donna Magee as District 3 Election Commissioner to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Price Wallace; closing of Gardner Road (Weathersby); and approved the new elevator service contract with MS Elevator, LLC in the amount of $345.00 per quarter.
Equipment Update: The Road Department Trucks should be shipped June 1 and delivered to Cannon Motors in mid-June. The Western Star Garbage Truck Chassis is on tract to be delivered to Burroughs near the end of June.
Reverse Auction Update: The reverse auction for a used fire truck for the Braxton Volunteer Fire Department will open May 7 at 8:00 AM and close on May 14th at noon.
Bids were opened for the Ambulance Service Contract. Three companies submitted bids. The board will take the bids under advisement. Rhuell Dickerson will prepare a comparison chart. Bids were submitted by AMR/Air Medical Group, ASAP, and Pafford.
Mr. Floyd (no first name was given) appeared before the board concerning the repair of his driveway which was damaged by a county truck. Following a lengthy discussion, no action was taken.
The board meeting was adjourned.
