The Simpson County Board of Supervisors met recently to address a wide range of county business, including updates on infrastructure, park improvements, and upcoming broadband expansion.
County Attorney Danny Welch opened the meeting by presenting items on behalf of the Chancery Clerk. The board acknowledged and recorded bids for scrap rusted culverts, miscellaneous scrap metals, and a 10-by-35 culvert at the Pinola Barn. Also entered into the minutes was proof of publication regarding the levying of county ad valorem taxes for the current fiscal year.
The board then heard from Jessica Gunther with Comcast, who outlined plans for a major broadband project in Simpson County. Comcast was awarded a $6 million grant to expand service along Highway 49 and into the rural communities of D’Lo, Braxton, and Mendenhall. The project will include both aerial and buried fiber lines.
Gunther proposed a cable act agreement that would grant access to county rights of way, in compliance with local permits and codes. The agreement would also allow the county to collect 5 percent of gross video service revenue. The proposal will be reviewed by the board attorney before further action.
Josh Wiginton of Upchurch Heating and Cooling reported on the condition of HVAC systems throughout county facilities. While no major breakdowns have occurred, several units at the 911 building and nine rooftop units at the jail are aging and due for replacement. He noted that hot water heaters at the jail, original to the building, will soon require attention. Despite their age, Whittington said the systems have avoided significant coil leaks or motor failures so far.
D’Lo Park board member Jason Barr provided an update on park operations and improvements. With $313,536 available in the budget, the park has purchased a pressure washer system for maintenance and is planning the addition of three to four new camping pads. Barr requested assistance to remove trees and perform dirt work to accommodate the expansion.
Plans also include remodeling the cabin with a new porch and enclosure, repairing buckling floors, and adding a bathhouse near the river. He said the park board has discussed increasing nightly campsite rates from \$30 to \$45 and long-term rates from \$450 to \$550.
Barr addressed the issue of long-term campers, some of whom have resided in the park for up to a decade, urging the board to require insurance and consider rotating sites every three months. Additionally, a grant application was submitted last week to fund a classroom setting, a restroom, and new nature trails with observation decks at the park.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton reported that the road crew installed a 35-mph sign on Lee Boggan Road. He also noted that the Dewitt Flynt Bridge was closed due to a damaged piling but will reopen once repairs are complete.
County Engineer Greg Bonds announced that advertisements for the county’s pre-leveling project, scheduled for November, have already begun.
Emergency Management Coordinator John Kilpatrick shared that the county E-911 service received 1,378 emergency calls. He cautioned residents about the ongoing dry weather and urged caution to help the county avoid issuing a burn ban.
Attorney Danny Welch also briefed the board on a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. He explained that applications can be submitted through the county or directly by local fire departments, noting discussions are underway to apply for a pump truck. The board also approved the Ashland Lane subdivision road work pending execution of the necessary documents.
Citizen Anthony Wilson appeared before the board with a petition regarding Barnes Estate Road, also known as Woodrow Barnes Road. He requested the county take over ownership of the road which serves five homes. The board took the matter under advisement, pending legal review.
The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session to discuss litigation matters before adjourning.
