The Simpson County Board of Supervisors covered a wide range of county business during its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 17, including upcoming road closures, utility expansion discussions, and a citizen complaint regarding a deputy’s conduct.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray opened the meeting by recording certificates of completion for Justice Court Judge Charles Savell, officially entering them into the board minutes. Road Manager Jeremy Bolton reported that the county’s ditching crew has completed its current assignments and is now working from the state aid project list.
Bolton also announced that Bearcat Road will be closed Tuesday through Thursday for bridge repairs. Supervisor Donny Welch informed the board and public that beginning Monday, Dec. 1 — the Monday after Thanksgiving — Highway 478 between Highway 43 and Shivers Road will be closed for repairs. Welch encouraged motorists to plan alternate routes.
The board then heard from David Burkes, who discussed tree-trimming opportunities within the county. Burkes said his veteran-owned company has handled takedowns and cutbacks for MDOT and can offer pricing either by the mile or by individual trees. He invited the board to request bids on any projects they have in mind.
A citizen, Annie Feazell, appeared before the board to address an incident involving a sheriff’s deputy. Feazell explained that after she had disciplined her niece for disrespectful behavior, the child contacted law enforcement. Feazell said deputies responded and spoke sternly to the child, which she felt was inappropriate. Sheriff Paul Mullins told the board the deputy involved had been reprimanded and that the issue had been resolved.
Jessica Guntherm a representative for Comcast, updated supervisors on the company’s planned expansion into Simpson County. Gunther said she has been working with Board Attorney Danny Welch on finalizing a franchise contract and noted that new county permit and boring fees passed earlier this year have pushed the project over budget. She requested that the board waive the fees or grandfather the project in, stating that the work represents an $11 million investment through the BEAM program.
Supervisor Wayne Womack said the county should “hold steady” on the boring fees, and other board members agreed. Under the franchise agreement, the county may collect up to 5 percent of video service fees.
In other action, the board approved a $2,000 contract with Circuit Clerk Witt Fortenberry to deliver election equipment to precincts and retrieve it afterward.
Attorney Danny Welch also briefed the board on progress regarding Barnes Estate Road becoming a public road. He said all but three property owners have signed the necessary documents. State law requires that the petition be delivered to remaining owners, and a notice must be posted on the land before the next meeting. After that, the board will view the road and determine whether to accept it as public.
