The Simpson County Board of Supervisors met on Monday, December 15, to conduct a full agenda covering solid waste management, broadband expansion, infrastructure projects, tax matters, and public safety updates.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray informed the board that the county’s rubbish pit is nearing capacity and is expected to close within the next three weeks. In response, the Rubbish Board approved the purchase of six dumpsters to help manage waste during the transition. Two dumpsters will be placed at the rubbish pit, two in Mendenhall, and two in Magee, all located within fenced city and county barn areas.
Gray explained that the cities will be responsible for hauling their dumpsters through a contract with EcoSouth, while the county will handle waste delivered to the pit. The board unanimously approved the contract, with each dumpster costing $600 per month, including transportation to Ellisville for disposal.
Gray also noted that construction on a new rubbish pit is underway and is expected to take about a year to complete, adding that closing the current pit will be costly and future expansion may be considered.
The board also heard from Jessica Gunter of Comcast, who provided an update on broadband expansion efforts in Simpson County. Board Attorney Danny Welch said the proposed 10-year contract had been reviewed and was in order, noting that Comcast agreed to all permit fees. Gunter said construction crews are ready to begin work and that Comcast will extend service from Braxton to Mendenhall. The project is expected to bring broadband access to approximately 2,700 new customers, with about 1,600 located within Simpson County.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton presented the November Maintenance Report, which was approved by the board. Supervisors also approved the promotion of Arby Weathersby, increasing his hourly pay to $16.45. Bolton additionally updated the board on upcoming pre-leveling work in coordination with Southern Paving.
Tax Collector Jamie Brewer submitted the real and personal property tax report for November and addressed a dispute involving Ferguson Enterprises. Brewer explained that the business had filed a $95,000 inventory rendition last year but did not submit a new rendition this year, prompting her office to carry the previous amount forward. Ferguson Enterprises disputed the tax bill, stating it has no inventory in Simpson County and that a rendition was mailed. Brewer noted that the business is associated with Air South and said she will contact Air South for additional information.
Emergency Management Director John Kilpatrick reported that the county’s new 911 system and mapping system are now fully operational, though some additional equipment is still needed to complete the project. Kilpatrick also reminded residents that free smoke alarms are available to county households and encouraged anyone in need to contact Emergency Management or 911 for assistance. He asked the community to keep families facing hardship in mind during the holidays and reminded residents of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.
Board Attorney Danny Welch provided an update on Barnes Estate Road. Charlie Westmoreland reported that much of the road is in good condition but noted that three trees need to be removed, additional gravel is needed, and a cul-de-sac must be constructed. The board approved taking over the road up to a certain point, pending completion of the necessary upgrades.
Sheriff Paul Mullins entered into the record a memorandum of understanding with the state for fingerprinting equipment. The state will provide the equipment along with a five-year maintenance agreement, and the system will transmit fingerprint information directly to the state.
Daniel Ferguson submitted several permits for board approval. Supervisor Donny Welch also clarified that residents outside city limits are not required to obtain permits for structures such as sheds, shops, barns, or animal enclosures unless the structure will be used as a dwelling.
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning the meeting.
