Technology is a big expense for all departments of government in Simpson County.
At their last meeting the Simpson County Board of Supervisors approved the cost of new software for the Simpson County Chancery Clerk in the amount of $12,500 as a one time charge and then a monthly fee of $450 to maintain records along with a possible $200 a month for offsite storage ability for data storage.
A bid was approved to fund equipment for video conferencing in the county. The board reviewed supplementary bids with increased costs because first bids on the systems did not come with cameras. The board opted for the one-camera option at a cost of $25,246.32 from the company, Sound and Communications.
The number of tablets needed for the various departments in the county was increased from 10 to 11. The board also approved the purchase of five laptop computers with CARES funding.
Supervisors also approved the lowest bid to install an ionization system for the Chancery Building, the Circuit Building, the jail and the Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $27,672 from the Upchurch Company. Money for this will come through CARES funding also.
County Engineer Buddy Wolverton informed the board that the chip sealing process for roads is set to end at the end of September.
A question surfaced about what was considered fair market value for land needed for right of way for the county. The sum of $1,500 per acre has been the standard, and the board agreed to keep that figure in place.
The board agreed to close the Boss Stein Road so that it could be removed from the county inventory. This action would not prevent future boards from re-opening the road in the event of need.
Road Manager Ben Warren reported that the department was asked to bury a horse. The vote was three to two in favor of the action. Supervisors Mitchell Chapman and Danny Craft voted against the county being responsible for the disposal of the remains.
Wolverton reported that the bridge on Jake Barnes Road had been completed. Cato Road is in the process of being paved. Work has been started on the Mt. Zion to Shivers and St. Johns roads. The acquisition of right-of-way can begin on Sofa Road bridge replacement and Star to Braxton Road.
John Kilpatrick, the emergency management director for the county, reported that the average response time for ASAP ambulance has been 13 minutes and the county has had no complaints about the service.
In county employee changes, the board approved moving Chantell Meadows from full-time non-certified to part-time certified. Tiffany Rutland will move from part-time non-certified to full-time non-certified. Courtney James was moved from full-time non-certified to full-time certified.
The board approved paying the PackTrack yearly handler fee for Jim Blakeney.
The next regular meeting of the board is set for September 15.
