The Simpson County Board of Supervisors met March 16, approving a series of policy updates, infrastructure improvements and equipment purchases, while also hearing updates from county departments and community partners.
The board reviewed and approved amendments to existing board policies as part of its regular business.
A highlight of the meeting was a presentation from Mara Polk of the Central Mississippi Regional Library System, who praised Simpson County’s libraries as among the best in the regional system. Polk thanked supervisors for their continued support, emphasizing the role libraries play in community growth.
She recognized local staff, noting that Kathie Ward manages the Harrisville and Mendenhall branches, while Alice Green serves as branch manager of the Magee library.
Polk shared usage statistics demonstrating strong community engagement. Simpson County libraries recorded 39,388 patron visits and currently have 21,830 cardholders. In addition, libraries circulated more than 39,569 items and maintain a collection totaling 57,086 materials.
Board President Wayne Womack expressed appreciation for library staff and services.
“We really appreciate our libraries and the people that dedicate their time and effort to help reach people in our county by making books and resources available,” Womack said.
Polk also announced a countywide children’s event, “The Dinosaur Experience,” planned for May at the Magee library. The event will feature animatronic dinosaurs and is expected to draw families from across the county.
In infrastructure matters, Road Manager Jeremy Bolton requested amendments to utility permit requirements to improve long-term road maintenance. The board approved changes requiring erosion control measures and mandating that ditches be restored to standard conditions after utility work is completed.
Supervisors also approved extended warranties for a county motor grader and two backhoes, as well as the acceptance of field dirt and rip rap materials from contractors, provided they are free of hazardous substances.
A new 20-mile-per-hour speed limit sign was approved for placement near Bethlehem Church on Bethlehem Church Road.
Bolton reported that the county’s annual chip seal project will begin once rock materials are stockpiled and temperatures rise.
The county engineer presented documentation and board orders related to past state aid projects, including work on Poplar Springs Road, James Berry Road and Old River Road.
In personnel matters, Sheriff Paul Mullins introduced Nora Jones as a new part-time dispatcher. The board approved her hiring and authorized her attendance at required certification classes. Chris Wallace was also approved to attend the Mississippi Fire Investigators Association Spring Seminar.
Emergency Management Director John Kilpatrick provided updates on several initiatives. He reported that the county’s burn ban expired March 17 and announced completion of the E-911 project, with funding expected soon. Kilpatrick also discussed upcoming grant opportunities available to the county.
Additional approvals included a banner supporting the Mendenhall baseball team and the purchase of three used vehicles from Herc Rentals. The board also authorized an emergency purchase of 17 DS200 Poll Place Scanner and Tabulators for the election commission at a cost of $30,425.
Board Attorney Danny Welch led a discussion regarding the potential adoption of Hidden Acres Lane as a public road, extending from Star Braxton Road to the pipeline. Supervisors reviewed requirements for bringing the road up to county standards, including the addition of a cul-de-sac.
Daniel Ferguson of Community Development received approval for a right-of-way agreement with Comcast, which will begin work in the Poplar Springs area this week.
The board concluded the meeting by entering executive session to discuss ongoing litigation and real estate matters with Simpson County Development Foundation Director Pat Brown.
