The Simpson County Board of Supervisors convened for their regularly scheduled meeting on June 2, addressing a range of matters from judicial changes to infrastructure updates and economic development.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray announced that Kade Walker and Braden Duncan were selected as the recipients of the 2025 MAS County Employee Scholarships. The board also acknowledged and officially recorded a pay raise for court administrators and deputy court administrators, stemming from recent legislative changes.
Judge Gerald Martin appeared before the board to discuss significant changes coming to the chancery court district and the youth court system. He explained that beginning October 1, the responsibility for youth court intake — previously handled by state agency Youth Services — will be transferred to the Chancery Clerk’s office. He emphasized that this change would require additional funds to handle the increased workload. Martin noted that attempts to pass bills increasing financial support for youth court had failed and recommended checking for any available support funds. While he believes the fiscal impact on the county will be minimal, he stated that the fiduciary responsibility now lies with the counties.
Further changes include a reorganization of the chancery court district, effective January 1. The district will expand from five counties with two judges to seven counties with three judges. Lawrence County will exit the district, while Jasper, Scott, and Newton Counties will be added. Martin outlined that some local expenses, such as website updates and court reporter reallocations, will arise from the restructuring. However, he reassured the board that Simpson County is likely to retain — and possibly increase — its number of court weeks. He said a court calendar must be finalized by September, and a meeting will be scheduled with the three judges and seven chancery clerks to coordinate the transition.
County Engineer Greg Bonds updated the board on several ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects. He reported that the Dry Creek Road project is nearing completion and that SAP projects, including Poplar Springs, have been submitted to state aid. Multiple bridge projects are in progress, currently undergoing right-of-way and environmental evaluations. The 540 West project is scheduled to begin this week, and the Big V Road ERBR project has been approved. Bonds also reminded supervisors about the upcoming annual maintenance ride and encouraged participation.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton introduced two new part-time hires, Cody McCurdy and Phillip Goodwin, and informed the board that two employees had been sent to CDL training at Co-Lin. The department received approval to rent a handle excavator to clear a logjam on Bridgeport Road. Bolton thanked the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance in clearing over 30 downed trees in the past week. Supervisor Donny Welch informed the public that a debris truck is currently out of service, contributing to a six-week backlog in roadside tree debris removal. He assured residents that the road department is working diligently to catch up.
Booker Woodard addressed the board with updates on the homebound assistance program and recent developments related to the farm bill. He also shared insights from his 25 years of experience assisting Black farmers and proposed using the multicultural building to host an informational meeting with representatives from the State Agricultural Department.
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer presented the board with surrendered vehicle tags for the month of May, along with a report on solid waste.
A representative from Real Pure Bottling Company spoke to the board about a requested tax exemption. The company recently invested $6 million in new machinery and plans to expand its warehouse space. Despite an earlier commitment to create 21 new jobs, the representative acknowledged that 10 employees had been laid off, with four rehired. The company filed for a 10-year exemption this year based on the same job creation figures, but board members expressed concern over the lack of job growth. Board President Danny Craft emphasized the importance of economic incentives translating into local employment. Supervisor Wayne Womack motioned to deny the exemption, which passed unanimously.
Board Attorney Danny Welch requested an executive session to discuss legislation involving the Simpson County School Board. Before the session, Lee McCoy addressed the board, commending its firm stance in ongoing legal disputes with the school board and thanked them for setting a legal precedent.
Mccoy said, “I want to compliment you on standing your ground and acting fiscally responsibly in this lawsuit with the school board and not compromising. I don’t need to tell you that this will have repercussions throughout the state. I urge you to continue to prove fiscally conservative in a responsible matter and work with the school board as best you can and urge them to keep their budget in line and live within means.”
The meeting then entered executive session before recessing.
