The Simpson County Board of Supervisors held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 3, addressing a full agenda of county business, personnel matters, and project updates across multiple departments.
Minutes from the October 2025 meetings were approved, along with several proofs of publication related to county business. These included the public notice for the board’s travel in compliance with Mississippi Code Section 19-3-67(5), an advertisement for the Building and Grounds Manager position, and a reverse auction notice for the purchase of two new garbage trucks with rear loader bodies. The reverse auction was held on October 29 via CentralBidding.com, with final approval granted during Monday’s meeting.
Region 8 Mental Health Thanks County for Continued Support
Dave Van with Region 8 Mental Health appeared before the board for his 29th consecutive year to present the organization’s annual update. He thanked the supervisors for their ongoing support, which includes $45,000 in annual county funding that helps serve underinsured or uninsured residents. Van reported that Region 8 currently provides services to over 11,000 active cases originating in Simpson County and employs more than 90 local workers.
County Engineer Reports on Road Projects
County Engineer Greg Bonds reported that bids were taken October 24 for the 2025–2026 pre-leveling project. Southern Paving submitted the lowest bid using owner-provided asphalt, and the board president signed the necessary contracts.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton presented three new hires—Drew Jordan, Rayford Phillips, and Justin Curtis—all of whom were approved by the board. The board also accepted the lowest bid for repairs to two box culverts on Old River Road.
Supervisors approved the purchase of a Kubota Terrain King cutter with a 22-foot boom through state contract pricing at $181,645. Bolton also discussed a request from the City of D’Lo for assistance with repairing a culvert near the city lagoon. The board tabled the matter for further discussion.
Sheriff’s Department Personnel and Programs Approved
Sheriff Paul Mullins received approval to attend the 2025 Mississippi Sheriffs Association Winter Conference in Biloxi. The board also approved the department’s application to the 2025 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program.
Three new hires were added to the Simpson County Detention Center staff, and Annaleigh Ragsdale was approved as a part-time deputy with the Sheriff’s Department.
Tax Assessor Proposes Update to Interlocal Agreements
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer presented October solid waste credit reports, surrendered tags, and real and personal roll adjustments. Brewer also proposed updating the interlocal agreements after recommendations by the State Auditor between the county and the municipalities of Braxton, D’Lo, Mendenhall, and Magee to standardize funding contributions at 3% of ad valorem taxes for all municipalities. Current rates vary slightly between towns, and the agreements have not been updated since 1996. Brewer also proposed updating collections from $6,000 to $10,000. The board approved Brewer to appear before the municipalities to discuss the agreements.
Brewer also announced that the Mendenhall Business Women’s group will host “Pictures with Santa” on December 6 from 7 to 10 p.m.
County Administrator and Financial Updates
County Administrator Charlie Welch was authorized to accept the lowest quotation for two Western Star garbage trucks for the Solid Waste Department, along with a $10,000-per-truck full-service agreement. The board also approved obtaining financing quotes for the trucks.
Supervisors voted to issue $38,000 to Braxton Fire and Rescue following the sale of a 2002 pumper truck, with the department to provide documentation of expenditures.
The board acknowledged updates to the county’s solid waste guidelines, setting service fees and a maximum of eight household garbage bags per residence, as approved at the October 15 meeting.
A $1,000 scholarship opportunity was also recognized for high school and home-school seniors through the Mississippi Association of County Road Managers. Eligibility extends to children, stepchildren, and grandchildren of county road department employees who plan to attend college or a vocational school in fall 2026.
Legal and Utility Matters
Board Attorney Danny Welch provided updates on the Wilson Barnes Road. Welch said additional landowner signatures are still needed before the road can be made public, and a two-member committee from the board will inspect the proposed route.
Welch also discussed a proposed $200 fee for each under bore utility installation, such as fiber or water line projects along county rights-of-way. Questions arose about whether the fee should also apply to utility providers such as power or water associations. The issue was tabled pending further research and the development of a comprehensive ordinance.
Community Development Director Daniel Ferguson provided a brief update, noting several upcoming projects and confirming that permit fees remain suspended until November 17.
Executive Session
The board entered executive session to discuss litigation and personnel matters before adjourning.
The Simpson County Board of Supervisors will hold its next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Simpson County Courthouse.
