On Tuesday, February 1, the Mendenhall Mayor and Board of Aldermen voted to table a request from David Booth to publicly endorse the school bond issue to build a consolidated high school that is scheduled for a vote on March 29.
The line item was added to the meeting as an amendment prior to the agenda being approved. Booth, who is a member of a school board appointed committee to promote the bond issue, explained that the committee is preparing to distribute promotional items detailing why the school bond issue is a great step forward for Simpson County. He said design plans are now available to show what the new consolidated high school may look like and explained that by passing the bond issue the school would be built with all necessary facilities in one location.
He said the committee plans to seek the support of the two largest municipalities in the county, Mendenhall and Magee, to help pass the bond issue, which he said would be the ideal situation for funding the construction because the millage increase approved in the vote would be for a set time of 20 years. If it fails to pass, the district could request a millage increase annually to help finance the facilities.
He formally asked for the city’s support and stated that citizens will vote on the design of the building, school colors, mascot, and other things.
Mayor Todd Booth said, “If we’re going to have to pay for it then we may as well get the best of the best for our kids.”
Alderwoman Judy Lee voiced her concerns of how the consolidation process was handled.
Lee said, “It’s going to consolidate no matter what. I had concerns about them not being transparent with the whole thing. A lot of citizens have felt left out. I feel our responsibility is to look out for Mendenhall and I can not make a decision here tonight to vote for us as a board to support this without more information.”
David Booth explained there will be approximately 13 meetings held throughout the county to field questions from the public and present information. Booth said school board members will be present for their specific districts along with the tax assessor and superintendent.
Alderman Tim Gray echoed Lee’s concerns saying, “I’m not feeling comfortable either because the first I’ve heard of this is tonight.”
Gray agreed that the board needed more information before deciding to support the school bond issue and moved to table the item until next month’s regularly scheduled meeting. The board unanimously agreed.
The board approved David Miller to begin inspecting grease traps for businesses around the city. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen along with necessary city employees were approved to attend MML conferences and training to be held in June. The training will be held in Biloxi.
The board approved the purchase of four concrete planters from Mendenhall First Baptist Church for $800. The planters will be used to beautify Main Street. Before adjourning the meeting the board unanimously voted to reopen City Hall to foot traffic and to host city meetings.
