It appears that Simpson County may be a party to a lawsuit in regard to an opioid settlement agreement, despite the fact that this county was not a party to the litigation.
Board attorney Danny Welch said at Monday’s meeting of the Board of Supervisors that the county’s share is estimated to be $281,000, but the funds will be of little value to the county because they are paid out over several years. The settlement was part of a deal with big pharma which manufactures opioids.
The board approved completing a comprehensive land use plan with Central Mississippi Planning and Development District. A plan was conducted in October 2010, and it was time to update the information. Total cost for the study is $60,000 and the county will receive a $42,000 grant through the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
The plan will identify existing corridors of development in the county as well as future opportunities within the county. The county would be obligated for $18,000 in order to complete the study.
The results of the study could be used to develop plans if the county considers zoning in the future. The county can establish zoning procedures to protect land owners as well as direct ordered growth moving forward. The Simpson County Development Foundation is the catalyst behind moving forward with this project.
The next step in the process is contracting with Central Mississippi Planning and Development District to proceed with the planning phase.
The board heard from their engineer Buddy Wolverton about their plans for paving for the next year. It was slated to cover approximately 147 miles of road within the county. Supervisor Mitchell Chapman told Wolverton there are additional roads that need to be added to the roads in his district. Wolverton acknowledged the request however there will be a need to determine as to how it will impact the budget.
The pastor, George Graham, for the church on Mt. Zion Road, Greater Dry Ridge. Discussed the poor condition of the roads in his community. It was stated that most likely no maintenance had been preformed on the roads since they were paved over 25 years earlier. He was accompanied by several parishioners including Qwyn Norwood.
It was stated there had been problems with the contractor and that one of their employees pulled a gun on a person in the community.
The board agreed to purchase chemicals needed for next spring because of an anticipated increase in cost as well as shortage of materials. The lowest bid went to Helena Chemical for $9,800. the board approved taking Treon Williams from part time to full time in road department.
The board approved the hiring of Jerry Knup to replace Kathy Brien in the Circuit Clerk’s Office.
The board heard a complaint about the residence in Pinola, known as the J.W. Bush house. The board is going to send a letter requesting that it be cleaned and maintained.
The board agreed to changed the meeting date from December 15 to the 16 because they were planning a luncheon at the county road department.
The board approved the hiring of Micheal Morris as a new hire in the solid waste department.
The county will observe Thursday and Friday, December 23 and 24 for county holiday and Friday December 31 for New Years. They will also be closed for Martin Luther King Day on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.
