County funds Meals-on-Wheels

By Bonnie L. Jackson
News Editor
The Copiah County Board of Supervisors approved a request from the Human Resource Agency to fund the Meals-on-Wheels program at their meeting on September 15.
Executive Director Bonnie Gustavis informed the board that the Human Resources Agency would have to discontinue providing meals for the Crystal Springs area because of a budget shortfall  due to the harsh economy.  
Gustavis stated that roughly $12,000 will cover the entire program including the driver, the attendant and the meals.”
Budget allocations had already been made. The board was able to adjust the budget in another department in order to make the funds available.
Other Business
The County will not increase the millage, but there will be a .03 mill increase due to the Copiah County School District bond levy.  The payment fluctuates from year to year. This year it was higher than last year’s by $1,400.
  Robert Johnson Foundation
 On behalf of the Robert Johnson Foundation, family members requested that the Board issue a proclamation in support of renaming a stretch of Highway 55 The Robert L. Johnson Memorial Highway.  The area will start at  Exit 72 in Crystal Springs end at Exit 59 South in Hazlehurst.
According to Ben Minnifield, VP of Marketing for the RJF, the Mississippi Department of Transportation and Representative Greg Holloway both support the idea.  The Board agreed.
After approving homestead exemptions, and employees to attend a professional conference, the board adjourned until October 3 at 9 a.m.