The Simpson County Board of Supervisors convened for its recessed meeting on May 16 with President Danny Craft calling the meeting to order. Sheriff Paul Mullins opened the session with a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All board members were present.
Chancery Clerk Tim Gray initiated the meeting with the review of bids for a new hydraulic excavator. Five companies submitted proposals: Sany at $199,414; Midsouth Machinery at $211,000; Puckett at $223,725; Stribling at $233,099.14; and Lyle Machinery at $237,500. The board agreed to take the bids under advisement for further evaluation.
A request from Howard Industries' lighting division for a 10-year Ad Valorem Tax Exemption was tabled, pending additional review.
In local utility updates, the Poplar Springs Water Association Board welcomed three new members—Brett Lewis, Angie Walker, and Josh Lamon—after the resignation of longtime board member Howard Fewell. The appointments were unanimously approved.
Circuit Clerk Witt Fortenberry presented a second quote for upgraded poll book equipment, along with sole source documentation for the current software system used by the election commission. The board approved the equipment upgrade, pending legal review from Board Attorney Danny Welch.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton introduced a new hire and presented a series of infrastructure-related motions. A proposed change order to the county’s pre-level road project was approved, which added 540/Jupiter Road and removed Bethlehem, Monroe May, EH Smith, and Campbell Creek from the Moody Wallace North project. Bolton also received approval for collaboration with Rankin County for bridge striping and painting, a Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) permit for work on Highway 13, and renewal of the EDKO roadside spraying contract.
Sheriff Paul Mullins recommended two personnel actions: the hiring of Michael Allan as a part-time certified sheriff’s deputy, and the promotion of Kimberly McNair to full-time certified deputy status. Both recommendations were approved.
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer presented a motion to approve changes to the 2024 Real Property assessments, which the board passed. Brewer asked the board to consider taking yearly payments only during the first quarter of the year, to avoid having to adjust bills throughout the year. The board agreed to put a disclaimer on next year’s bill requesting that yearly rates be paid in the first quarter; however, they will still be accepted if presented later.
Emergency Management Director John Kilpatrick reported that 1,142 calls were logged to 911 in the past month. He also noted that the new emergency mapping system is nearing completion, with integration into the Omnigo system currently underway.
Board Attorney Danny Welch finalized an amended contract with EDKO for roadside spraying, which was approved.
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel and litigation matters before adjourning the meeting.
