A tense exchange between citizens and county officials brought the Simpson County Board of Supervisors meeting to a temporary halt Monday morning, as Chris and Hannah May of Magee voiced a series of complaints before a standing-room-only crowd.
The boardroom was filled to capacity March 2 as Board President Wayne Womack opened the floor to Chris May, who addressed the supervisors, thanking them for their transparency but insisting that certain county issues were not being properly addressed.
May questioned the county’s zoning activity and the jobs associated with it. Womack responded that there is currently no zoning activity underway in the county. May argued that salaries connected to zoning should not be paid and suggested those employees “need to go home.”
He also recounted a recent freezing night when, he said, a resident was without water and emergency management declined a request to deliver water. May further made complaints against Sheriff Paul Mullins, alleging retaliation and claiming that deputies he described as “savages” were sent to arrest him on Valentine’s Day. He questioned where citizens could file complaints and asked about oversight and trust within the department. May called for the creation of an independent committee with subpoena power to investigate complaints, requested that deputies wear body cameras, and criticized a Facebook post made by the sheriff that he said was directed at him. May said he wants clarity and not confusion.
Hannah May also addressed the board, speaking about efforts to begin a jailhouse ministry and a transit fund in partnership with the Sheriff’s Department.
When Womack opened the floor for public comments, Lee McCoy rose to speak in support of the sheriff’s office.
“I don’t know too much about this thing called Facebook,” McCoy said. “I always like to say I’ve never kissed any man’s derrière and never got on Facebook.”
McCoy added that, from his personal observations, he believes the sheriff and his department are doing a fine job and told the sheriff and his deputies they are being prayed for.
Shortly afterward, tensions escalated as the Mays and other audience members began arguing and moved into the foyer. A commotion could be heard outside the boardroom, and deputies were on hand to respond. After a brief pause, the meeting resumed, with several additional citizens voicing approval of the sheriff’s performance and thanking deputies for their service to the community.
Earlier in the meeting, Anthony Wilson opened with prayer and commended the board for its work, particularly in establishing Barnes Estate Road as a county road.
Supervisors presented a resolution honoring Robert L. Lang upon his retirement after 15 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Simpson County in the Solid Waste Department. The board also approved proof of publication for revenue and expenditure.
County Engineer Greg Bonds provided an update on state aid projects, noting that work continues on Athens Road.
Road Manager Jeremy Bolton received approval to paint and stripe railroad crossings on Gum Springs, Emmit Brown and Tom Berry roads at the request of MDOT. Bolton also presented proposed school bus turnarounds submitted by the Simpson County School District.
Tax Assessor Jamie Brewer presented solid waste credits, surrendered tags, and changes to the real and personal rolls, as well as adjustments to the homestead roll.
Supervisors discussed plans for a gravel-only surface at the Strong River public access point, or boat ramp, in order to obtain an estimate for an MDWFP grant application. The project is estimated at $87,850, with a 25 percent local match of the invoiced amount. Board members raised concerns regarding sand issues, bank stabilization and the need to build a proper base. The board approved moving forward with the invoice while tabling further discussion to address those concerns.
Karen Mosley, representing Keep Mississippi Beautiful, announced a partnership with municipalities to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with a countywide cleanup set for April 25. Mosley also shared plans to launch the first youth affiliate of the organization in the state, emphasizing the importance of young people taking pride in their communities. Students who participate in the cleanup will be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship. Supervisors will have trucks stationed throughout the county to collect trash on cleanup day.
Board Attorney Danny Welch discussed a petition from the Wildman family seeking to have a private road taken over by the county. Womack and Welch presented a report on the road construction process, which remains ongoing.
Daniel Ferguson requested right-of-way approval and updated the board on timber logging applications, noting that several loggers have expressed approval of the county’s new streamlined system.
Before recessing, the board approved placing the county under a burn ban for the next two weeks.
