Tekeela Foster was officially nominated to the local library board representing District Four at this month’s Board of Supervisors’ meeting. Ms. Foster was nominated by her supervisor, Mr. Floyd Miller. Foster will take over the spot left vacant upon the passing of Ms. Clementine Eichelberger, who had worked vigorously to promote reading and education in Winston County.
After the call to order and prayer, Board President Luke Parkes dove directly into any special speakers present. Jason Ryder gave an update on MASIT insurance premium policies, what would be covered, and provided a date by which the supervisors must make a decision in order to keep county property covered. The board approved continuing with the current insurance policies with only a slight increase in premium costs.
Next, the board heard similar information regarding Blue Cross/Blue Shield employee insurance. Jack Gordman of Gordman Insurance told the board that while the premiums had dropped by 35 percent late last year, they had gone up five percent for this year. The board approved continuing current coverage, which will begin a new year on May 1.
The board also heard a concerned property owner. The individual stated her issue, and Mr. Parkes pointed her to the supervisor where her land is located (District 4). He noted that Mr. Miller has only recently come into office, but indicated that board was interested in helping solve her issue. He added that in order to access her property, she might need easements and the like.
Upon discussing multiple school bus turnarounds, members of the board also discussed Phase 1 of the Noxapater Storm Shelter, which will be on the Noxapater school campus. Board Attorney Hugh Hathorn noted that he had a new Memo of Understanding from the school board that acknowledged that grant monies would pay the bulk of Phase 1 with the school board kicking in a small percentage.
In other board business, the Winston County Board of Supervisors:
• Approved attendance expenses for Winston County Veterans Affairs officer, Bobby Bowman to attend upcoming training
• Approved the latest claims docket
• Approved the overtime report
• Heard from County Engineer Jimmy Kemp, who informed the board that they must turn in a list of roads for the State Aid office; conversely, if they wanted to use the ARPA money for other purposes, such as upgrading rural water association equipment, they needed to put that into writing. District 2 had already completed a list of roads that needed attention.
• Heard from Lester Holdiness, who noted that he needed approval for expenses for a Constable training event
• Heard from Circuit Clerk Gwenita Mays that the Courthouse will be open for absentee voting on Saturday, March 9 ahead of March 12 elections.
The Winston County Board of Supervisors then went into an executive session. Documents from past supervisor’s meetings can be found online at http://www.winstonms.com/.
