A burn ban was ordered for Simpson County last Saturday morning, according to John Kilpatrick, county emergency management coordinator.
Kilpatrick told the Simpson County Board of Supervisors at their Oct. 10 meeting that unless there is a substantial amount of rain, the county may expect to remain under restrictions for the next two weeks.
Recent damage to the existing 911 system through lightning strikes have necessitated replacing that system, which is no longer repairable but can be used as a back-up. The new system is expected to cost $384,855. Specific terms on financing have not been determined. However, discussion indicated that a lease payment could be an option for approximately $87,000 per year.
The plan is to relocate the dispatch service and the 911 operation to the Sheriff’s Department so that better security can be provided. The existing building has been struck by lightning twice within the past year.
The old equipment will continue to be located in the current building to provide a back up for the new equipment.
Road Manager Ben Warren told the board that R. J. McQueen is completing work for this paving season and will start back as soon as temperatures warm back up. The county is also completing their road patching for the season. Warren announced some additional bush hogging to be done. The issue of shoulder cleaning of some of roads was discussed. When the contractor cut the shoulder, it was not cut far enough to allow for proper drainage, and water is collecting in some areas. The Road Department is to address the issue.
Ted Warren, director of Solid Waste, told the board that communications seemed to be improving in several of the areas of the Solid Waste Department. He said the quality of the inmate help from the Sheriff’s Department has improved greatly, due in part to Roger Collier. He said the SO was being helpful in assigning workers, and that “things are operating pretty well.” He said the department has implemented a safety program which everyone participates in on Thursday mornings that has helped with morale and noted also that complaints have decreased.
Charlie Welch reported to the board the help that local trustees have provided on several projects he is working on around the county, including the animal holding area and the new solid waste area.
Sheriff Mullins said that the addition of the new trustee hall will be beneficial in getting quality inmate work. He said inmates receive few perks and the new trustee hall will hold more inmates as well as rewarding them for the help they provide.
A special called meeting to review cost savings for the trustee hall is planned for 8 a.m. on September 21.
A total of 1,048 911 calls were received in the last month, and five structure fires were reported.
An emergency drill called the “Great Shake Out” will be held on October 20 at 10:20 a.m. that will include the public schools as well as county offices.
The board approved moving Olivia Gilmore to full time certified in dispatch and hiring Destiny Jackson as a part time dispatcher. Ronnie Brown was hired as a part time jailer. The board approved training for a dog team at a cost of $797.
The board approved hiring Johnny Hobbs in Solid Waste.
The board approved dues in the Mississippi Supervisors Association for $2,324.
The board granted approval for County Administrator Rhuel Dickinson to apply for a $50,000 grant for Federal Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund through the American Rescue Act. Dickinson told the board the county should be approved.
The board approved the payment of $3,700 for the repair of the clock at the county courthouse. Currently, a loaned digital clock is being used.
The next regular scheduled meeting of the board is set for November 7. The Simpson County Board of Supervisors office will be closed on Veteran’s Day, November 11.
