County Engineer Buddy Wolverton appeared before the Simpson County Board of Supervisors at their recent meeteing to update members on various projects.
The grade drain, base, and surface for Star to Braxton is 40 percent complete and all cross drains have been installed. The bridge replacement project on Shorter road is nearing completion. The contractor has completed the box bridge, approaches, and seeded the site. Wolverton said they are currently awaiting the growth of grass before requesting a final inspection.
The 2022 Simpson County resurfacing project is 74 percent complete. Wolverton said the contractors have completed chip sealing on 59 of 94 roads and that they have completed approximately 80 miles with 60 miles remaining.
Road Manager Ben Warren was approved to hire two new hands. Warren explained how storms have set back the road crews with cleaning debris and reopening roads. Warren also detailed some equipment malfunctions and asked for the board to be patient as they catch up.
Danny Craft was presented with an award by Randy Moore for graduating from the MAS Institute for Excellence in County Government. Moore explained that Craft completed all requirements. Moore said there are 410 supervisors in the state and only 130 have completed the courses, and Danny Craft is the only supervisor from Simpson County to receive the certification.
Dr. Dewayne Middleton said he was excited to speak to the board and that he looked forward to working with the board now as President of Co-Lin.
He said, “I worked well with you all in the past as vice-president of the Simpson County Center so I’m looking forward to this opportunity.”
Middleton explained that Co-Lin slightly raised the cost of their tuition from $1,600 to $1,750. He said it is still much cheaper than universities. He explained that Co-Lin should be students’ first choice and highlighted the new CDL and lineman program.
He said, “We’re here and you get more bang for your buck for what we have to offer at Co-Lin.”
Middleton said, “We’re grateful for what you do for Co-Lin as supervisors. Our budget depends on those funds, and I believe Co-Lin is a solid investment for all students.”
Middleton expressed a desire for Co-Lin to assist in economic development and training and urged the supervisors to reach out if he could assist in any way.
The board entered executive session to discuss litigation before adjourning. the meeting.
