Hazlehurst approves funds for Panther Ridge work

By Bonnie L. Jackson
News Editor
In a recessed meeting held on Tuesday the Hazlehurst Board of Aldermen approved a measure to lay the sewer line for the Southpark Industrial Development/Panther Ridge Copiah Business Park.
The vote was split 3-2.  Aldermen Akin, Sims and McMillian were for and Aldermen Sandifer and Jones were against to allocate $33,400 to cover the cost of extending the sewer line from the north line at the lift station at the little league baseball field off Gallatin Street to  the site located on County Farm Road.
At issue was whether the city could allocate the funds because resolution differed from the original one agreed to by the city in their May 1 meeting to provide in-kind work up to the $33,400 for the sewer line.
Board Attorney Olen Bryant encouraged the group during the discussion to consider that this is an investment in the future for an up to $40 million project, and not a one time cost.  After the vote, Bryant said that because the measure passed the project will move forward. 
Personnel Matters
Assistant Hazlehurst Police Chief Darian Murray submitted the resignation of Cedric Sutton as Animal Control Officer. The board approved the request.
The meeting was adjourned until  the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 5 at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall.