The Simpson County Board of Supervisors covered a wide range of business during their August 15 meeting, from road department needs and subdivision plans to training approvals and grant updates.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray gave his report, noting that the first item on the agenda, dealing with a hunting and fishing lease, had to be tabled because of an incorrect date.
County Attorney Danny Welch opened sealed bids for county work. L & E Trucking submitted a bid of $600 for a 28 Westin and $300 for a 2007 Ford F-150. Rebecca Boyd offered $280 for the Ford F-150. After hearing the bids, the supervisors decided to table the matter and revisit it at the next meeting.
The board also heard from Magee resident Melinda Green, who presented plans for a new subdivision proposed for Magee off Raleigh Road. She brought in a plat for the development, but the plan itself was incomplete. Attorney Welch advised her to return with all the necessary details answered. He also reminded her that the subdivision must be presented to the City of Magee for approval before it can move forward.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton brought several requests to the board, all of which were approved. He was given permission to advertise for a 48-foot refuse trailer and two dual-axle garbage trucks, with bids due September 12. Bolton also received approval to open bids once the auction process is complete, change Victor Brown’s part-time position to full-time, and swap a ¾-ton truck for a 1-ton truck at Hertz Rentals after transmission issues. The board also approved advertising for the 2026 pre-level road project, declaring a boom on a gravel truck as surplus, and allowing road department employees to attend free CPR/First Aid training through MDOT this October.
Bolton also requested an executive session later in the meeting to discuss a personnel matter.
Sheriff Paul Mullins reported next. He asked permission for Garrett Gray to attend two training sessions—Blue to Gold Advanced Search & Seizure and Advanced Traffic Stop—on September 9-10 in Brandon at a cost of $395 plus travel and meals, and the board approved the request. Sheriff Mullins also announced that the department had received a Homeland Security Grant of $21,700.
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer updated supervisors on a property change involving a relocated house, which the board approved. She also discussed an ongoing issue with the Mississippi Forestry Commission. The agency has been paying its solid waste bill late each month, which adds a $3 late fee. The commission has refused to pay the fee, saying they are exempt. Brewer told the board that her research shows they are not exempt and must pay the full bill, late charges included. She said she will follow up with the commission again to try and resolve the matter.
Supervisors also approved training for county employee Jazmine Peacock, who will attend the Department of Revenue’s Collector II class in Madison. The training will cost $350.
Emergency Management Director John Kilpatrick reported that the county received 1,152 emergency 911 calls in July, down from the previous month. There were eight structure fires during July, one of which tragically claimed a life. Kilpatrick also noted that the county’s new 911 system is still waiting on parts before it can be completed.
County Administrator Charlie Welch reminded the board that Monday, September 1, will be observed as Labor Day. The next meeting, set for Tuesday, September 2, will include both the budget hearing and the tax levy hearing. A request from Smith VRossing Water Association was approved to install a water line by directional bore beneath Luckey Road and Kennedy Road. Lease agreements were approved between the Board of Supervisors and the MS Department of Human Services and and Child Protective Services.
At the end of the meeting, the board went into executive session to discuss personnel matters.
