The Simpson County Board of Supervisors heard an offer of help at their monthly meeting on October 7.
Chancery clerk Tim Gray presented representative Chris Richardson from Horne CPA, who explained that his company is gearing up for the upcoming funding cycle and that they help municipalities save money.
He said they have been able to work with their municipalities to gather millions of dollars in grants. Horne has helped secure Homeland Security grants, COP grants, and infrastructure grants for Leakesville. Miss. He is sharing their success stories for neighboring counties
Richarson said they were able to increase traffic to the City of Leakesville by repairing their boat ramp and parking area at a local waterway. He explained that phase 2 of that project will include a bath house and a one-mile nature walking trail. They were also able to secure TAP funds to redo sidewalks around the city. He said Horne was able to secure over 2 million dollars in grants for Leakesville.
He explained his preferences for dealing with congressionally directed spending. He said, “Think of it as a grant award directed from a member of Congress to you,” and his company has had a lot of success with these in the past. He said several grants are available for D’Lo Water Park including TAP grants.
Richardson said, “I would love the opportunity to work with you. I grew up down the road and this would be personal for me. I want to see Simpson County grow.”
The board voted $6,250 a month or 75k a year to have Horne help with grants. Richardson said he plans to discuss opportunities with the supervisors individually for grant writing that could help in multiple departments. He reported that FEMA grants are available for firefighters’ assistance that would address the need for new turnout gear, jaws of life, and other equipment if awarded. Grants are also available through the Department of Justice that provide funds to help replace radios, body cameras, ballistics, and even vehicles.
The board discussed a Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks grant that would benefit the entire county. Richardson said several possibilities are available to bring recreational activities and other improvements to the county with help through grant funding.
In other business, Joyce Hicks presented Justice Court statistics and reported that she is working to get a website established with the new credit card processing company for the court.
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer presented delinquent mobile home taxes. Board aAttorney Danny Welch suggested putting liens on those with delinquent taxes. Brewer also presented unpaid personal property taxes, surrendered tags, and two employees to receive training.
County Administrator Eric Bowen presented the Road Manager’s report and received approval to submit a letter for funding for ERBR projects. Jeremy Bolton will inspect trailers in Mobile for the garbage department, and State Aid road work is ongoing.
Welch reported that a medical cannibis application has been filed, and that he will review the application and bring it back to the board. Welch asked the board to enter executive session to give an update on the school system litigation and discuss personnel.
