The Simpson County Board of Supervisors approved three measures brought by Chancery Clerk Tim Gray at their September 3 meeting.
The measures included a nine year lease of Simpson County School Board 16th Section land for Parthfene Reynolds, a construction change #3 on project SAP-64(64), and a county payment to Selene L. Puga Santos, court interpreter, for services provided for cause #2024-0121 signed by Judge David Shoemake in the amount of $783.58.
Tammy Layton, a nutrition educator with the Mississippi State Extension Service, presented statistical information to the board on the programs she provides at no charge to the county. All costs associated with those programs are funded by grants only; no county funds are used. Layton works in the local schools K-4th grade as well as providing adult education programs.
Road Manager Ben Warren requested a pay raise for employee Tyrone Stow as he completed his probation period. The board approved.
Supervisor Donny Welch asked what could be done about hindering the theft of road signs as missing signs create issues for law enforcement or first responders. Warren said they have tried several methods to prevent the thefts to no avail.
Supervisor Mitchell Chatman raised the question of using camera surveillance on the hot spots.
County Engineer Greg Bonds provided the supervisors with a potential projects list using SAP funds previously requested by the board outlining locations and cost. In addition Bonds updated members regarding projects on New Hope, Peacock and Dry Creek roads.
County Administrator Eric Bowen made requests on behalf of Sheriff Paul Mullins, who was in court. The board approved the following new hires: Tommy Bouie, part time MDOT trash pickup; Richard Myers II, full time deputy; and Bryan Green, full time certified deputy.
The board approved a change to real property due to a clerical error and an amended recap on real property for poultry houses brought by Tax Assessor-Collector Jamie Brewer. They also approved a contract for appraiser John Lewis and the 1 mill application in order to use those funds. Supervisor Wayne Womack praised Brewer and her staff for the hard work necessary for a resolution regarding the poultry tax.
Bowen requested renewal of computer licensures for FY 2025; the supervisors approved the measures. In addition the board approved the purchase of an E-ONE rescue pumper on International chassis for Braxton Volunteer Fire Department, State Contract 8200060946 in the amount of $497,378 as part of Round 15 of the RFTAAP Grant.
Charlie Welch, county IT director, made a presentation to the supervisors regarding GPS trackers for road department equipment. GeoTab is willing to furnish the equipment at no charge with a monthly $19 fee per vehicle assigned the device. The devices have a life time warranty and will provide various usage reports. Warren requested the opportunity to discuss the trackers with his employees to get their thoughts but was told this was not his decision to make but the board’s.
In addition, Brewer commented that the trackers proved very beneficial in a major issue in her office coming to light that would have been a “very expensive problem” had the tracker not been placed. The board approved 10 trackers with the monthly fee of $19 per tracker.
The board approved the hiring of Benny Blair for animal control and dump site cleanup.
Board Attorney Danny Welch updated the board on the previous issue regarding insurance on the truck used by Covington County ambulance service. Covington Hospital will insure the truck on a one year contract with automatic renewal unless notified 30 days prior to renewal date. The board approved.
An agreement was approved for Contract Bidding to centralize the county’s bidding process with a 30 day cancellation notice. There is no cost to the county.
Welch said that the county previously made gravel purchases by term bids with Marcus Feazell, who recently passed away. Feazell’s brother Curtis has asked that the board now contact him for future purchases. Welch stated that documentation is required showing proof of ownership by Curtis Feazell and requested the board make no more purchases until proof received. The board approved.
State Representative Price Wallace appeared before the board with an appeal on behalf of Simpson County poultry farmers regarding the upcoming poultry tax increase. He began with a comparison of pricing pre Covid versus today using as an example the purchase of a fan motor. Before Covid it cost $150; now Wallace pays $300. Insurance costs on his broiler and pullet houses have drastically increased from $18,745 in 2021/2022 to currently $26,000.
Wallace reported that in this upcoming legislative session the state plans to look at the poultry tax issue but at this juncture he has requested that the board wait to implement the increase here in Simpson County until the legislature acts.
During the discussion with supervisors Wallace did state, without assigning blame, that poultry producing counties only recently were told about this increase, although he was surprised that it slipped past Farm Bureau given its involvement in agriculture. Supervisor Danny Craft also said that he believed the Agriculture Commission and Commissioner Andy Gipson were responsible as well.
Discussions continued regarding a Department of Revenue Manual issued in 2020 regarding tax increases on poultry houses, real property and mobile homes and the time frame allotted for the implementation.
Wallace thanked the board and reiterated that they consider waiting to implement this tax increase.
