After proper notice in the county newspapers, no official objections were filed to the issuing of additional bonds for the purpose of building roads in Simpson County.
As a result, the county will start the process of issuing $6.235 million in general obligation bonds to fund road and bridge projects in Simpson County. This was announced at the July 5 meeting of the Simpson County Board of Supervisors.
Dr. Toriano Holloway, Simpson County’s new Superintendent of Schools, introduced himself to the board along with key members of his staff. The board met Assistant Superintendent Dr. Deidre Randall, administrator of curriculum and instruction, and Dr. Robert Sanders, who works directly with human resources and secondary schools.
Holloway officially started as superintendent on July 1 after the June 30 retirement of former superintendent Greg Paes, and used this as an opportunity to establish a relationship with the Board of Supervisors.
County supervisors appear to be moving toward an agreement with Howard Industries on continuing use of their building on Highway 49, which is owned by the county. The current rent is $45,000 per year. The lease has gone back and forth between the county and Howard for almost two years. Eight years remain on the existing lease. While Howard proposes that the lease stay the same, the county appears to be insisting on a consumer price index increase on the rent. Howard wants the county-required employment levels to be taken out of the lease.
The county negotiated reclaiming part of the Howard parking area to use for material storage. Howard wanted a reduction in cost since the county was asking for the property that Howard was not utilizing and is also not maintaining according to the lease agreement.
The county balked and got the property. Now Howard wants a 90-day notice period if they need the property back. The county has told the board attorney they would give a six month notice.
Howard is also asking for a ten year automatic renewal if they choose to lease the building. Again the board is remaining steadfast with a consumer price index increase.
The board approved the mapping of the county as required by law. The project will be done by Tri State, which creates maps using a fly-over. The cost of the project is $43,000 with $22,000 going toward the actual fly-over and collection of data.
Earl Byrd with ABM met with the county to enter into an agreement to help the county with energy conservation measures. It is a 15 year project at a cost of $4.1 million dollars. The county has access to $3.1 million through federal Covid funding. Byrd identified specific buildings in the county inventory and determined the amount of savings that would be incurred on existing utility usage. If their projections are off, they are obligated to pay the county their cost. The project is supposed to save the county $24,000 per year over a 15 year period.
The board approved moving ahead with a letter of intent to proceed with the project. The savings in utilities comes through the replacement of lights with LED lighting. It also includes maximizing existing air conditioning units as well as sealing all buildings in the district to prevent increased electrical expenses through loss of energy.
The board noted four parcels of land listed by churches that did not file paperwork for exemption. This includes two pieces for New Life Fellowship Baptist Church, Rose Hill Church of Christ and Waco Church of God. Restrictions govern how these properties can be used in order to get a tax exemption from the county.
At the request of the ASAP ambulance service the board is considering designating the county as an EMS district. This provides four major benefits, according to Norman Miller with ASAP. It will offer major training opportunities and classes immediately, on-line medical control, improved quality assurances with improvements. The designation also qualifies the county to receive additional funds and grants. The board approved the request from Miller.
Chancery Clerk Tommy Joe Harvey reported to the board that 40 homestead applications were rejected from the state. Rejections resulted from bogus social security numbers, filing for exemption elsewhere and other issues.
The next scheduled meeting of the board is set for July 15 at 9 a.m. in the board room.
