When the Simpson County Board of Supervisors convened its regular meeting last Monday, one of the primary items discussed was a series of requests from the Simpson County School Board for bus turnarounds.
Several of the submitted forms were found to be incomplete, missing required dates and signatures. Board members also questioned the necessity of implementing new turnarounds with only a few weeks left in the school year. The decision was tabled until further information could be gathered.
Justice Court Clerk Joyce Hicks presented the first quarter financial report.
County Engineer Greg Bonds reported progress on several road projects. Bonds is in the process of obtaining estimates for a State Aid Project (SAP) on Poplar Springs Road, with funding expected to cover paving for about half of the road for an estimated six-mile stretch. The board approved Bonds to proceed with securing estimates.
Bonds also confirmed the closeout of ERBR Project 64 on New Hope Road, with the board approving the final payments. Although Highway 540 was not approved for State Aid funding, it has been added to the county’s pre-leveling list for this year’s paving plans. The board additionally approved repairs to soft spots along the highway’s road base. Bonds noted that the box culvert at Dry Creek has been successfully installed.
Jeremy Bolton, county road manager, reported on equipment arrivals and upcoming projects. The county has received a new refuse trailer and two day cab trucks. One of the International day cabs (asset #2282) will be transferred from the Solid Waste Department to the Road Department.
Upcoming auctions, including a Jeff Martin auction on May 16, were noted. The department is still searching for a semi and solid waste trailer. Bolton also detailed storm damage on Harrisville/ Braxton Road and the State Aid Harrisville Braxton Bridge. Guard rail damage on Siloam Road, caused by a collision, was reported as well. Two quotes were received for the 540/Jupiter base repair project, with Walters submitting the lowest bid. Total labor is expected to cost $69,260, with an overall project estimate of $150,000, not including fog seal or striping.
The board also addressed pothole repairs in the front parking lot of Simpson Central School, but they tabled the decision pending further information, and for the written request to be signed by Superintendent Dr. Paul Lawrence. Bolton also requested rental of two half-ton trucks—one for the Solid Waste Department and another for the Road Department —at a monthly rate of $1,455 each through Herc Rentals under the state contract which was approved. Discussion turned to the upcoming Caterpillar 320 Excavator buy-back, due in May. Offers were presented from Puckett ($105,000) and JM Wood ($107,500 with completed repairs), with a new machine priced at $245,000. The board agreed to advertise for bids for a new excavator.
The board acknowledged the completion of the Cato Road culvert change and thanked the Sheriff’s Department for managing traffic during the project.
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer announced that Homestead filings are complete for the year, with 493 new applications submitted and a total of 6,250 filed. Brewer also presented the March solid waste report and surrendered tag data. She presented a request from Tyson for a tax exemption, which was tabled for further review.
Attorney Danny Welch addressed a request to name a cemetery near Simpson County Lake. Initially proposed as the Holloway Family Cemetery, the requesting family has since asked for it to be named the Holloway Rankin Family Cemetery. The matter remains under board advisement.
A representative from the Covington County ambulance service requested use of an office in the Mendenhall area. The board agreed to find a suitable space for the ambulance service to stage.
The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session.
