Test well to be drilled
The Hazlehurst Board of Aldermen authorized the drilling of a test well near the industrial park by the low bidder at a cost of $24,950.
They rejected all bids received at the prior meeting for a test well on Nelson Drive, which exceeded the expected cost. The water superintendent advised the industrial park site should be better than locating a well so close to the treatment plant.
In other business, the board heard a request from Rev. Lucius Felton to conduct preaching services on the streets of Hazlehurst where young people congregate on the weekends, but the city has an ordinance against the use of loudspeakers for non-city functions.
A citizen asked the board to consider naming a road or proclaiming a day in honor of Wilmer Durr. Details will be worked out.
Advertisement for a backhoe was authorized at the request of water superintendent Lloyd Hilliard. A tractor is currently being repaird, he reported, and the low quote was accepted for an air compressor.
Transfer of $12,000 from the general fund to parks was authorized. The funds are needed to cover various problems encountered this summer, including repairs at the pool.
Last month the board cut off Crime Stoppers after a $600 claim was questioned by board members. Tuesday night the aldermen voted to reinstate the city’s participation. Robert Harris, city representative for Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers, explained that a $2 surcharge on misdemeanor fees is used to fund Crime Stoppers. The program does not cost the city anything. Last year a tip was called in after a bank robbery which resulted in a capture and conviction in the case, Harris pointed out. He also requested a city coordinator be appointed, usually from the police department, and invited the aldermen and police officers to attend the Crime Stoppers meetings.
Pursuit of a grant to overlay the industrial park road was authorized.
Some aldermen urged the board to invite a Fuel Man representative to explain the costs and benefits of the program to the city. Police Chief Byron Swilley was also instructed to look into smaller more economical cars for the police fleet to reduce fuel costs.
Repairs to a police car were authorized totaling $5400. Chief Swilley advised that the city’s thirteen patrol officers are running around the clock, sharing three patrol vehicles. June expense for repairs and maintenance totaled $12,078. He said it is like they don’t even have a new vehicle this year because of the need for repairs to the older vehicles.
Resignation was accepted from police officer David Drumm.
In a brief executive session the board terminated an employee in the communications department and another in the street department.
Maurice Richardson was hired in the street department. Luther Jefferson was hired as a part time fire fighter.
The city board regularly meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in City Hall.
