The City of Magee is officially searching for a new city prosecutor.
It was announced during the recent Magee City Board meeting that current prosecutor Chris Purdum has accepted a position as an assistant district attorney.
In discussion the board agreed that the city should seek an experienced prosecutor for the job. Mayor Dale Berry suggested that it be a local attorney who would be available to work closely with the Magee Police Department. The board also suggested that the prosecutor not be associated with a firm.
Purdum’s resignation will become effective July 1. The board plans to make a decision on a new city prosecutor at the July 7 board meeting.
Dr. Norman Miller appeared before the board to officially introduce ASAP EMS, which will become active in the community next month as the ambulance service provider, replacing AMS, which is terminating its service.
Miller said his job is to make sure ASAP is meeting the requirements of their contract. He explained that ASAP plans to have four ambulances in Simpson County at all times. Miller said this would effectively place an ambulance in Harrisville, Pinola, Magee, and Mendenhall. He invited the board to call him with any questions about ambulance availability.
During the mayor’s report, Berry spoke highly of the new board members at Magee General Hospital and how they have turned things around at the local hospital, which declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy almost two years ago but has now been released.
He stated that all tree trimmers operating within the city have to be bonded and insured. Berry described an incident in which an uninsured tree trimmer did work for a family which led to damages that were not covered.
Berry stated that trash pickup will resume twice a week, and that the senior citizen building located in the East Side community at the former YMCA building is ready to be opened.
Mayor Berry said that a lot of cities have been hurt financially during the pandemic, but not the City of Magee. Berry said the city is currently $114,000 over last year’s tax collection amount year to date. He said the city is averaging over $200,000 a month in sales tax collection.
“Magee’s been blessed. We’re in good shape,” Berry said, adding, “Some people say the city of Magee is broke. The water department has got $225,478 in it, and we could have easily paid the big bill (for repairs from a recent major water leak) as cheap as interest is. Our big general fund, $1,550,000, the city of Magee has got so contrary to what you may read in the press the City of Magee is in good shape.”
The Board opened bids for a loan to cover the city’s water repair project. Peoples Bank, PriorityOne Bank, and Trustmark submitted bids. Trustmark was awarded the project and accepted as the bid with the lowest interest rate.
Alderman Patrick Brown advised the board that if the bids are close the board can justify not going with the lowest bid. He contended that the national banks do not put as much into the community as the local banks do. Brown said for future reference the board should consider dealing with the banks who give back to the community.
Berry finished his report by announcing that he is working on a “secret deal” for a few acres of land that a family wants to donate to the city. Berry said, “If I can pull this off, board, it will be very beneficial for Magee.” He explained that the parents of the family who wants to donate the land are deceased and the children plan to donate the land to the city.
The Main Street paving project was awarded to J&L Enterprises, after the recommendation of engineer Buddy Wolverton. Berry also asked for a budget amendment to repair the alley behind the Magee Police Department for $4,000. The board approved the expenditure.
The mayor also announced that there will be a 26 minute fireworks show at the Magee Sportsplex on July 4. The city asks that everyone practice social distancing during the show.
The city will begin trimming limbs that are blocking visibility of street signs. Berry asked that citizens call in and make the city aware of which signs are being blocked. He said, “Just call them in and we will get them.”
Bishop Danny McLaurin of Greater Love Fellowship Ministries appeared before the board to inquire about using the satellite prison center as an independent living facility, saying it would be a safe haven for people who are rehabilitating themselves back into the community.
McLaurin said this facility would serve people who are not able to live in the community alone but do not qualify for services from facilities such as Millcreek and Boswell.
McLaurin said he would bring seven employees that will help teach life skills and minister to their clients, among other things. The people would live at the facility full time.
Berry explained that another organization has already inquired about the facility and the board has opened negotiations with them. The board moved to wait on making a decision until the other situation is discussed.
The board discussed some changes to the city’s hiring process. Alderwoman Whitney Baker suggested the city go back to advertising positions to get a broader scope of employees. She said this will help with getting better applicants. She also said the board should implement a policy that board members are notified when a vacancy comes up.
Brown said he believes that by law the city is required to advertise for employment through the Fair Labor Standards Act. He said the state has requirements as an Equal Opportunity Employer to follow those federal guidelines.
Before adjourning the meeting the board voted to remove the city wide curfew that was implemented at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
