WALTHALL — The Webster County Board of Supervisors has authorized the purchase of property in Mathiston for industrial development.
Leading up to this, supervisors on Jan. 18 discussed economic development during an executive session. Afterwards, the board authorized Chancery Clerk Michael Kolb to act on its behalf to acquire an appraisal to determine the value of property located in the county. The property is being considered for future economic development purposes, according to the minutes.
On Jan. 31, the board authorized Kolb to hire BBG Real Estate Services of Ridgeland to provide an appraisal of a parcel of land in Mathiston.
Feb. 29 meeting minutes show Rudy Johnson and George Crawford of the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District addressed the board about economic development on Feb. 29. The board also discussed economic development during an executive session on March 4 with no action taken.
Action was taken during a recessed meeting March 6, when Chad Winter, president of the Webster County Economic Development District, was present.
Unofficial minutes, which have not yet been approved, show the board considered the matter of the industrial development purchase of 4.82 acres of real property located in Webster County near the W.W. Sly Manufacturing plant in Mathiston.
Having consulted with the state Audit Department, the minutes state the board is satisfied that it may properly proceed with the acquisition of the property.
The board voted unanimously to authorize GTPDD to purchase the acreage for the purchase price of $26,510 from Aubrey Kenneth Knight.
March 4 Meeting
In addition to other business reported from its March 4 meeting, the board approved motions that day to:
• maintain E-911 Dispatcher Alisha Connell’s medical insurance for a period of up to 12 months while she is out of work with a serious health condition. This is in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• recognize the resignations of part-time dispatchers Brantley Redwine and Robert Eiland from Webster E-911 effective March 4.
These motions came after the board met in executive session with E-911 Director John Dendy to discuss personnel.
March 18 Meeting
The board also had a recessed meeting March 18. Agent Mary Margaret Williams of Tabb South Insurance presented the board with a copy of the renewal quote for the county’s real property, automobile and liability insurance through the Mississippi Association of Supervisors Insurance Trust.
She said the county’s insurance premium will be going up 15%. Of that increase, Williams said 30% represents an increase on the premium for property. That was to be expected, she said, because of the insurance claim on the Courthouse water damage experienced after a water heater pipe burst in November. This was one of three claims the county had last year.
After her presentation, the board voted to accept the quote and renew the county’s insurance through MASIT at the policy renewal on April 1 through March 31, 2025.
Janet Cook of the Eupora Economic Development team addressed the board about the Eupora Chainsaws and Art Festival, which will be Sept. 25-28. She presented the board with opportunities to sponsor the festival but no action was taken. She said 100% of all donations go to EED projects. Cook also asked if the county would consider having a team participate in the second Eupora Crawfish Cook-off set for April 13 at the Civic Center.
Jerry Gilliland of Willis Engineering presented the board with a contract to request additional State Aid funds to complete State Aid Project 78(11)M. The supplemental agreement increases the tonnage and number of working days for completion of the contract overlaying three county routes. The minutes state $524,000 in funds from the next term’s allotment will be required to finish last term’s business. The board authorized President Pat Cummings to sign the order authorizing the request.
The board also approved these motions March 18:
• to prepay registration for county Emergency Management Agency Director Barry Rushing and Assistant Director Tom Booth to attend the Mississippi Partners in Preparedness Conference April 30-May 3 in Biloxi at a cost of $175 each. The county will also reimburse their expenses while attending the conference.
• to authorize Cummings and Board Attorney Jacqueline Meek to sign on behalf of the county certification regarding procurement of engineering/architectural services for the Webster County Detention and Command Center. A public hearing was held that day regarding a grant application by Webster County for the construction of the facility.
• To enter into a one-year contractual agreement with Mississippi Delta Shows, which will host its event July 25-27 in Eupora. Webster County will receive 25% of the gross money taken in on all riding devices less Mississippi sales tax and insurance, and $25 for each concession stand and game. Those proceeds will be distributed to the Eupora and Mathiston parks and recreation departments.
• to approve the purchase of a 2023 Dodge Durango PPV for the Sheriff’s Department from Kirk Brothers Sunset CDJR, which presented the lowest bid.
In related action March 6, unofficial minutes show the board considered payment received from MASIT Insurance for a 2023 Dodge Durango that was involved in an accident resulting in a total loss on Feb. 12. Webster County has received payment in the amount of $34, 545.50 representing the value of the totaled vehicle. Cummings was authorized to sign over the certificate of title the vehicle and to sign the power of attorney as requested by MASIT Insurance.
• to purchase a 2000 Model 4000 International dump truck for $14,000 from Choctaw County. The truck will be purchased by and inventoried to District 2.
The board recessed until Thursday, March 28, and meets again at 8:30 a.m. Monday, April 1.
