At the Simpson County Board of Supervisors’ first meeting of the year on January 6, Supervisor Danny Craft was elected as new board president with Wayne Womack to serve as vice president for the upcoming year.
In November the board adopted the 2021 International Building Codes. A 60-day holding period was instated to allow for objections. Receiving none, they approved an order on January 6 establishing these building codes for the county. The permit fee will be based on the value of the structure and covers general, mechanical, and electrical installations.
The board approved a second ordinance establishing inspections for roofing, plumbing, framing and gas, and a final inspection.
A mobile home ordinance was discussed that requires a $500 permit fee for mobile homes and an inspection fee which is already included in the $500. Requirements for mobile homes include having an E-911 address, a state fire marshal decal, skirting, and a tie-down system.
Building Inspector Daniel Ferguson said he talked to the fire marshal, and they inspect new and used mobile homes. However, they only certify mobile homes that have been moved by licensed mobile home movers. Ferguson said this is to protect the homeowners and hold the people moving the mobile homes accountable for any damage.
The board approved the mobile home ordinance and plans to establish a transport ordinance in the future.
Board Attorney Danny Welch said a letter of approval is required for Gabriel McKenny to move forward with state certifications to start a medical marijuana operation in Harrisville. Welch said the privilege license has been obtained and the approval would be based on being compliant with all state regulations.
Tim Gray presented proof of publications for recent reverse auctions for two tractors to be presented to the board on January 15 for review. The board also amended the December 2024 minutes to reflect the reason the board went with Burrows for recent equipment bids. Burrows did not have the lowest bid; however, the lowest bid did not meet transmission and delivery specifications.
County Engineer Greg Bonds updated the board on current projects. Bonds said Peacock Road is substantially complete and is awaiting a final inspection. The Dry Creek Road contractor is currently clearing and grubbing and has removed the old culvert.
Bonds presented the board with bids for a pre leveling project for certain roads in the county. The county received bids from five contractors, and the lowest bid was Walter’s Construction Company Inc., from Laurel. Bonds recommended awarding them the project at the bid of $275,000, with them using the term bid owner furnished asphalt. Walter’s Construction was $40,000 less than the next bidder.
The board discussed a need to move the Fork Church voting precinct. A citizen has purchased the land that the voting precinct is on and informed the county that it needed to be moved. Womack said it is a big, time-sensitive process to move a voting precinct. Attorney Welch said he would research the issue.
The board authorized the board president to sign the Cadence Bank/ Bank OZK resolution and tri-party agreement. Cadence Bank is transferring its trust business to Bank OZK.
Charlie Welch revisited the idea of installing a generator for the courthouse. After the storm on December 28, 2024, the courthouse was without power for days. Welch said critical phone numbers were able to be transferred to the Chancery Court building, but the need for a generator was obvious. Welch suggested exploring the options of a new generator installed at the courthouse or using a portable generator that is currently at the trustee hall. The board asked for prices on both options for the next meeting. They also authorized the Road Department to remove the trees on the courthouse lawn.
Welch said the courthouse roof is nearing completion and that weather permitting the new contractor will get started on the two leaks remaining, fixing issues over the District Attorney’s office. Once these repairs are completed the board will reevaluate the situation.
County Administrator Eric Bowen announced that the 2025 MAS County Employee Scholarship applications are due at the MAS office by February 1. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be Monday January 20, and solid waste routes will not run. They will instead resume on Tuesday and continue through Thursday.
Pat Brown, director of the Simpson County Development Foundations, discussed industrial prospects with the board in executive session before the meeting was recessed.
