Following the call to order for the January 15, 2026, meeting, the Simpson County Board of Supervisors President Wayne Womack opened meeting, presenting a list of business items to discuss.
The first order of business was the opening of bids for a surplus 2003 Jaguar. Board Attorney Danny Welch opened the bids, which ranged from $750 to $3,500, with Wade Underwood submitting the winning bid of $3,500.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton presented the Maintenance Report for December and requested approval from the Board, which was given. Bolton also requested authorization to send Christopher Varnes, Justin Curtis, Mark Smith, and Andrew Brown to CDL training, which was approved. A motion to declare certain equipment as surplus and authorize it for auction was also approved.
The Board approved a request for a school bus turnaround at 3850 Simpson Highway 28 West. Supervisors also approved accepting two cross-conveyor systems from Lamar County at no cost to Simpson County.
County Engineer Greg Bonds reported that work on Poplar Springs Road is expected to begin soon.
Sheriff Paul Mullins presented several items for approval, including Mississippi Sheriffs’ Association 2026 membership dues in the amount of $1,500, the hiring of Kaine Chestnut as a part-time deputy at $14.05 per hour, and approval of a mobile app for the Sheriff’s Office through OCV, LLC, at a cost of $12,180 for the first year and $6,585 annually thereafter, to be paid from the inmate canteen fund. All items were approved.
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer presented changes to real and personal property assessments for the month, which were approved by the Board.
Shelia Kitchens appeared before the Board regarding a request for adjustment to Solid Waste bills at 120 M&M Lane and 124 Merit Welch Road.
Following discussion, President Womack explained that adjustments cannot be made unless the power meter has been disconnected from the residence. Since both locations had continuous power service, no adjustment could be granted. Kitchens said the garbage truck has never come to her home and that her home is a school bus turnaround. Board members said they will check with the Solid Waste manager to verify services.
County Administrator Charlie Welch presented his report to the Board. The board approved the lowest quoted bid from Trustmark Bank for the 3-year lease purchase of two Western Star Garbage Trucks. The board approved ad valorem fire fund payments of $500 to each fire department.
The board approved Peoples Bank and Priority One Bank as joint bidders for the 2026-2027 Depository Services offering 75 basis points with a variable rate floor of 3 percent.
The board approved the issuance of a check in the amount of $115,000 to the Simpson County Development Foundation.
Board Attorney Danny Welch updated the board on the changes to Barnes Estate Road.
County Development Department Director Daniel Ferguson reported on recent boring activity on county roads. After discussion, the Board suggested developing a checklist to help determine appropriate charges and responsibility when boring is conducted.
The board entered executive session before adjourning the meeting.
