The Simpson County Board of Supervisors convened for its regular monthly meeting on August 4, addressing a variety of public concerns ranging from solid waste billing to fire safety and infrastructure updates.
Chancery Clerk Time Gray began the meeting by recording proof of publications related to notices for taxpayers Section Land leases for the Simpson County Public Schools.
Michael Allan of the Magee Fire Department presented a proposal to create a fire grading district aimed at lowering insurance rates for county residents. Allan shared a map illustrating current fire protection ratings, noting that while the city of Magee has a class 5 rating, surrounding county areas served by the department are rated at class 10—the highest and most costly in terms of insurance. The goal is to reduce the rating to class 7 for these rural areas by forming the district, which would extend to Corinth Church, the Smith County line, Siloam Road, Zip Road, and some areas overlapping Station 7’s fire district. Allan emphasized collaboration among county fire departments, which plan to function collectively as water shuttles. A petition signed by affected property owners was presented, and the board approved the district pending legal review and a required public hearing, according to Board Attorney Danny Welch.
Thomas and Sandra Lockhart of 306 Ella Walker Road in Magee appeared before the board to request assistance with a $1,700 solid waste bill. Sandra Lockhart explained that she and her husband, both disabled, had not lived at the property for four years and recently moved back. Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer noted that the usage report showed minimal electricity usage during that time and adjusted the bill to account for those months. However, Supervisor Donny Welch pointed out that the outstanding amount reflected over nine years of missed payments. Although the board expressed empathy, members explained that their options were limited due to constraints from the state auditor. Ultimately, Lockhart agreed to work with Brewer to establish a payment plan.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton received board approval to notify residents with exposed water lines that the lines must be buried by October 1 in accordance with utility right-of-way regulations. Additionally, the board approved the purchase and installation of flash flood warning signs for Ainsworth, Manning, Bearcat, Hollis, and Gum Springs Roads, which are known to flood. Bolton also reported that the county’s chip seal road project is 75 percent complete.
Sheriff Paul Mullins received approval for several officers to attend upcoming training sessions. Mullins also reported an incident involving an inmate who fell from a garbage truck in Magee. The inmate was treated and released the same day.
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer presented the final tax rolls for 2025, which received board approval with no public objections. Brewer also submitted credit adjustments for solid waste, surrendered vehicle tags, and changes to real and personal property assessments for the year.
Board Attorney Danny Welch presented a denied claim from Devon Owens related to a response involving the sheriff’s department and Mendenhall Police during a shooting incident. In another matter, the board discussed specifications for Ashwood Road, finding the proposed criteria to exceed current county standards. The issue was tabled for the August 15 meeting to allow for consultation with County Engineer Greg Bonds.
In public comments, Archie Skiffer raised concerns about hazardous trees along Woodrow Barnes Road. The board clarified that the trees are outside the county right-of-way and near Entergy’s power lines. Officials plan to contact Entergy about addressing the issue.
Before adjourning into executive session, the board recessed briefly to present the new fire truck for the Braxton Fire Department, marking a positive milestone for local emergency services.
