The Simpson County Board of Supervisors conducted county business at their monthly meeting on December 2.
County Engineer Greg Bonds announced that the State Aid re-inspection went well, and State Aid funds have been reinstated to the county. Bonds said the county crew has made significant progress on maintenance on roads, bridges, and signs throughout the county. Jeremy Bolton explained that a lot of information was gained during the inspection, and a process has been developed to keep maintenance running smoothly in the future. Bonds updated the board on current ERBR projects in the county and stated that construction has begun on Dry Creek.
Sheriff Paul Mullins received approval to pay Summit Food Services and move Shawn Scott to full time at the Simpson County jail.
County Administrator Eric Bowen was approved to obtain lease purchase financing quotes for two 2023 Kenworth dump trucks purchased from Truckworx at $185,000 each. Bowen was also approved to disburse the county fire rebate funds for code enforcement for 2023 to Magee and Mendenhall Fire departments in the amount on $19,084.97 each. Approval was given to disburse the equivalent amount of $19,084.97 cent to each of the rural volunteer fire departments.
The board approved a contribution of $250 to the Southwest District Livestock Show to be held on January 15.
Jeremy Bolton was authorized to rebid for one 2025 new and unused refuse transport semi dial axle 48-foot trailer with specifications and warranties. This is due to the county receiving no bids on the previous advertisement. Approval was given to advertise for the purchase of two solid waste day cab trucks . Bolton said that sealed bids for two tandem axel dump trucks will be opened on December 12.
Bowen announced the upcoming holiday solid waste schedule. For Christmas routes will not run on Tuesday December 24 and Wednesday December 25. Routes will resume on Thursday December 26 and Friday December 27. For New Year’s routes will not run on Wednesday January 1 and will resume on Thursday January 2.
Haley Huffman was hired as secretary for the permit department at $40,000 annual salary.
Board attorney Danny Welch updated the board on the rubbish pit that was presented at the last board meeting. Welch explained that Padget needed to fill out an MDEQ form for the determination of need for a rubbish pit in Simpson County. Once the determination of need form is attached to the application, the board can move forward with public hearings and notifying adjacent landowners. Welch said there are several steps to be taken in the process and said the cost associated with the process has been on the citizens establishing the pit. The location was questioned due to the proximity of the pit to the Strong River and the existing pipeline. The board took the discussion under advisement.
Welch discussed property owned by Ricky Craft at the highway 28 intersection. Questions were raised over a road that had been abandoned years ago. Welch said the road was abandoned years ago when the previous property owner agreed to have a road built from Highway 28 to their property. The road is not on the register and has been overgrown by trees and runs through a junkyard. Welch has researched the minutes to find the board order closing the road. The board moved to update the road register to reflect current changes.
The board entered executive session the discuss litigation.
