At the Simpson Conty Board of Supervisors meeting on September 30, a group from Mendenhall Ministries (MM) brought a proposal for approval.
Suzanne Keys, Brittney Womack, and Dr. Scottye Holloway made a presentation on Son Solar. Keys explained that MM has been working on Son Solar behind the scenes for a while and that the Ministries have a farm that has lain dormant for years. Their leadership got the idea of repurposing the land to make a solar farm. She said they were able to connect with a retired solar developer who said the property would be suitable.
Keys said money is available for development, and MM has applied for prize programs that would enable people to plan some projects.
She explained that Son Solar wants to help people save money on their energy bills and start working with people around the state. She discussed opportunities for workforce training, soft skills training on money management, and how to handle a job.
She also discussed ideas to try to attract clean energy manufacturing and said that Son Solar has been connecting with the boards “to let them know what we are trying to do.” Keys said they have connected with two companies, one from Colorado and another from New Jersey.
Son Solar was not asking for money but for a letter of support as they work to attract manufacturing opportunities to the area. The board took the proposal under advisement.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray presented proof of publications for levying county and ad valorem taxes and the Simpson County combined budget.
County engineer Greg Bonds updated the board on the economic and safety impact of the bridge being closed on Highway 28, and that there could be some relief efforts in the future. He also provided an update on the rubbish site and had received an environmental analysis for the project.
Sheriff Paul Mullins presented three personnel changes that were approved and received permission to apply for the 2024 Digital Forensics LTP Grant. Kelvin Jenkins was also approved to attend the One Loud Voice Conference at no cost to the county.
Emergency Management Director John Kilpatrick informed the board that the county received a grant, and that another hurricane is on the horizon that may affect the area.
The board discussed moving a boom axe out of surplus to be repaired before being sent to auction. The boom axe needed repair so the county would not take a loss on its sale. In order to repair the equipment, it would need to be added back to the inventory, and later declared surplus again to be sold at the upcoming auction. Discussion was had that equipment should not be used if it is declared surplus. The board moved to proceed with repairs.
Jeremy Bolton presented the board with options on purchasing new equipment for the Solid Waste department.
The board heard a presentation from EDKO about a spraying program to minimize mowing of the roadsides. The program is designed to maintain an acceptable height on grass along the road and reduce the expenses associated with maintenance. Bolton estimated $763,000 a year is spent on bush hogging and maintaining the county roads. The spraying program will reduce this expense significantly.
Following the presentation the board entered executive session to discuss litigation.
