The Simpson County Board of Supervisors handled a wide range of county business during its December 1 meeting, approving financial matters, receiving project reports, and discussing upcoming infrastructure work affecting residents across the county.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray brought several routine matters before the board. Supervisors approved $2,160 to cover the cost of preparing copies of the Simpson County assessment rolls, a required annual record. The board also approved $1,500 to pay Gray’s 2025–2026 membership dues for the Mississippi Chancery Clerk Association.
Supervisors further acknowledged and recorded a Simpson County Public School 16th Section Other Lease for Sherron Barnes, located at 930 James Boykin Barnett Road in Magee.
County Engineer Greg Bonds delivered updates on several major infrastructure initiatives. Bonds said the notice to proceed has been issued for improvements on James Berry Road and Poplar Springs Road, and contractors expect to begin work within the next couple of weeks.
He also briefed the board on the status of Athens Road, noting that project documents have been submitted to the state. The county is now awaiting word on state aid funding, and if approved, the project should begin in the spring.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton presented his monthly road report, which the board approved without changes. Supervisors also voted to hire Russell Wildman to join the county road crew.
In an effort to modernize workflow, the board authorized David Welch to begin evaluating a work order system that will integrate with the county’s existing GIS platform. Welch will review current operations, assess system requirements, and return with an implementation estimate.
Tax Assessor-Collector Jamie Brewer submitted the solid waste credit report and surrendered tag report for November. Brewer also discussed updates to the county’s real and personal property rolls.
Supervisors approved the hiring of Jacob Ferguson as an appraiser in the Tax Assessor’s Office.
County Administrator Charlie Welch reported that supervisors approved a contract with BDO (formerly Horne) for grant development services. Welch noted that BDO has played a key role in helping the county secure multiple grants in recent years.
Welch also announced a change affecting motorists on Highway 478. A full closure previously planned for early December has been postponed to the first week of January. For the month of December, the highway will remain open to one-lane traffic, regulated by a temporary traffic signal. Drivers will be able to pass through until the January shutdown begins.
Additionally, Welch reported that the bridge project in D’Lo remains on schedule, with a projected opening date in fall 2026.
Board Attorney Danny Welch updated the supervisors on ongoing negotiations with Comcast. Attorneys continue to review franchise terms, and Comcast has been provided with copies of the required ordinance and permit fee schedule.
Welch also reported progress regarding Barnes Estate Drive, where questions have been raised about whether the county should accept the road as public. Supervisors formed a committee—Charlie Westmoreland and Wayne Womack—to inspect the roadway and determine its feasibility for public designation.
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel before adjourning the meeting.
