At the monthly board meeting of the Simpson County Board of Supervisors, Mark McDonald appeared before the board to request the relocation of the Fork Church voting precinct. McDonald, who recently acquired the property and intends to build a home on it, sought the precinct's relocation. However, Board Attorney Danny Welch stated that the county received a bill of sale from Bethlehem Church for the use of the land as a voting precinct in 1992.
Welch said it appears to be a question of title between Mark McDonald and the church as to who owns the property. Welch said the matter must be resolved with the church before the county can take any action. McDonald plans to wait for a surveyor's report and will reappear before the board once the issue is resolved.
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer presented the surrendered tags and discussed a situation involving Dorothy Feazell. Feazell relocated her home in 2000, and since then, there has been no house on the previous property. Despite this, the property continued to incur a garbage bill now totaling $2,985.66 in past due charges. As Feazell was current on her bill at the time of the move and remains current on her current garbage fees, the board believed that county records showing the home's relocation should suffice as evidence to dismiss the debt. Brewer plans to research the records in question and move forward.
Board Attorney Danny Welch addressed the repairs needed on Poplar Springs Road due to damage caused by a contractor. Emergency repairs were necessary, and an invoice is being drafted to initiate negotiations with the company responsible. This discussion led to considerations of a heavy haul ordinance, road closures, setting weight limits on county roads, and establishing alternate routes for upcoming bridge closures. Supervisor Donny Welch expressed concerns about the condition of county roads following the scheduled closure of the Highway 28 Strong River Bridge in August, which is expected to last two years. Welch noted that once the bridge is closed, county roads would be subject to increased damage. He suggested that implementing permits and setting weight limits would help preserve the integrity of county roads.
All personnel moves by the Sheriff’s Department were approved by the board along with the acceptance of two Chevy Tahoes from Rankin County.
The board also approved the installation of two culverts, limiting each installation to five loads of gravel and requiring proof of a 911 address before beginning the work. Jeremy Bolton updated the board on CDL training for road department employees, which will be completed at Co-Lin Community College. Scott Burrell, Christopher Stephens, and Willie Lee were approved to attend the training.
Several items were declared surplus and approved for sale at the upcoming JM Wood Auction. Sealed bids for the sale of surplus vehicles will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on February 7. Simpson County Farm Safety Day is scheduled for February 20 at the Simpson County Jr. Livestock Barn from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
The board entered executive session before recessing the meeting.
