The Simpson County Board of Supervisors held a recessed meeting on July 17 to conduct county business.
Following acknowledgement of the 2023 public utility roll for Simpson County, Road Manager Ben Warren presented his report. Warren explained the need for repairs on a backhoe for approximately $6,000 saying that the damage was from wear and tear over time. The board advised preventative maintenance and suggested checking similar pieces of equipment for the same issue.
Warren said work is on pace with county crews and contractors working on various projects. Supervisor Donnie Welch asked for figures on contracting out the pre-leveling of county roads as opposed to having county crews do it. He asked for Warren to provide data on what it costs the county in terms of manpower, fuel, travel time. Welch said after speaking with supervisors in other counties that he thinks pre-leveling with the box is costing the county approximately 25 percent of the asphalt purchased. He wanted to know the cost per ton on how the county is spreading the asphalt versus a contractor’s price. Warren said he thought a contractor would be able to do a better job with the proper equipment, but reiterated that the county needs to have control over the contractors.
Sheriff Paul Mullins was approved for four new hires, two part time deputies, one full time deputy, and a full-time detention officer.
Emergency Operations Coordinator John Kilpatrick reported a new maps system has been installed in dispatch for the E-911 building. He said grounding for the building has been completed and the install of the new radio console equipment has started. Kilpatrick said the fiber for the new radio console will be installed in August. He reported that MEMA may be able to provide public assistance for the Harrisville Fire Department that received roof damage from the severe storms in June.
Kilpatrick asked the board to think about guidelines for solar farms, because he has received several calls with questions about permits to allow solar farms in the county. SCDF Executive Director Pat Brown said he would be attending a conference on the subject soon and would report back to Board Attorney Danny Welch.
Kilpatrick informed the board that it is possible for the county to qualify for mitigation money to build a storm shelter. However, there would only be enough money for one shelter as opposed to multiple community shelters as discussed in previous meetings. Kilpatrick said it would be a starting point for the county and he believes there are other programs that may help with establishing a shelter also.
An update on current building projects was given by Information Technology Director Charlie Welch. Sheet rock and insulation are being installed in the trustee hall and that the courthouse restoration project is progressing on schedule. Welch said he addressed some minor issues during his monthly meeting with the contractor and architect concerning the windows in the attic being left out. Welch said the humidity of the windows being left out over night was causing problems with the chillers. Now the windows are sealed at the end of the day. Pay orders for Traxler Construction for the trustee hall and Lathan Company for the courthouse were approved by the board. Welch also discussed that once the roof work begins it may become difficult to work around court schedules.
John Kilpatrick was appointed as representative to the CMPDD Safe Streets and Roads Initiative for Simpson County.
Emergency burial of dead cows and over 10,000 chickens was ratified. Donnie Welch said if the insurance company provides the poultry company compensation, that should be considered for the county.
Supervisor Brian Kennedy has spoken on the issue before. Kennedy said, “If there is insurance involved, I want the taxpayers reimbursed.”
The board agreed that the invoice should be assessed to the poultry company, not the growers. Warren stressed that when disasters hit chicken growers, they need help with burying the chickens.
Welch said, “We want to help them. They pay taxes and they need help, but if they or the company is getting something back for the birds, they should do their part and compensate the county for fuel and time.”
The board moved to send an invoice to the poultry company.
A request from the Town of Braxton to repair a fire hydrant damaged by a county road vegetation operation in June of 2022 was tabled for further research. The repairs to the hydrant were $8,527.96.
Pat Brown appeared before the board and passed along a request from the Mayor of Magee for the county to consider taking over operations of the airport. The board showed no interest. Brown updated the board on current economic development prospects.
The board then entered executive session before adjourning the meeting.
