Busy housekeeping session for board of supervisors

The Copiah Board of Supervisors discussed potential litigation in executive session with airport officials, but no action was taken.

Justice Court Clerk Carolyn Morgan received permission to dispose of old records in accordance with the statutes for record retention. The county will contract with a document disposal firm to shred the records on site at a cost of about $600.

New software will be purchased for the 911 office for the ID maker at a cost of $1995.

Ricky Stevens, 911 director, advised the board that the maintenance agreement has ended on the 911 call recorder. The equipment does not have problems and should not need repair in the near future, Stevens advised.

Seth Morris was rehired to fill a part time vacancy as 911 dispatcher.

Sheriff Harold Jones reported a jail population of 39 on Monday, which is lower than usual. A number of inmates were transferred last Friday. The April jail report shows 4837 meals served. Seven state inmates were left in the county jail on Monday.

Purchase of jumpsuits for the tactical team was authorized. The suits will be paid for out of the drug fund if there is not enough in the uniform budget to cover the $1099 cost for ten jumpsuits.

A public hearing was held on the abandonment of several lanes, with no public comment.

Bids were received on heavy equipment including backhoes, a motor grader, excavator, and track-type tractor. The bids were taken under advisement for further review.

The board authorized the refund of $176 in unspent grant funds to the federal government from the purchase of Bethel’s fire truck.

The resignation of Kay Hall from the sheriff’s department was accepted.

The board briefly discussed cultural affairs projects with Dr. Schriver.

Economic development director Neil Honan advised the board that Action Properties would be closing on the old Wal-Mart property that day, and renovations on the building should start soon.

The county expects to receive $475,000 in funding for the Dentville-Jack Road project, which will be used to begin purchase of rights of way and utility relocation.

Advertisement for bids on a fixed generator for backup power at the Copiah County Courthouse was authorized. Bids will be received on June 22.

Contracts were executed for the Advance Lane project at the Gallman Industrial Park.

A resolution for John Parker Campbell commends the youth on obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

The First Presbyterian Church has accepted the county’s offer to purchase a lot belonging to the church adjacent to the courthouse complex for the appraised price of $6750. The board authorized the sale to proceed.

The county’s portion of the settlement agreement on the wage lawsuit from the 21st Century grant will be paid. The county’s portion totals about $3000.  

Upcoming events for the supervisors include the spring meeting of the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District on May 14, teacher appreciation meals in Wesson on May 26 and at Crystal Springs Middle School on May 27.

A resolution was adopted authorizing mosquito spraying where necessary to prevent the spread of West Nile virus during the summer months.

The Hazlehurst Garden Club was authorized to complete the landscaping project at the Copiah County courthouse with up to $100 additional expenditure.

An easement was approved allowing county labor and equipment to be used on private property for securing concrete and bricks needed for erosion control.

Bryant Johnson was employed at the road department at the south barn.

The road manager was authorized to repaint railroad crossings and replace crossing signs in the county.

A list of surplus county equipment will be posted for sale and ultimate removal from inventory.

A refund of double payment of a garbage account was authorized.

Items on emergency service inventory from Hazlehurst and Barlow certified lost or stolen were removed from inventory.

Officials recessed until May 8 at 9 a.m.