WALTHALL — Webster County is in the process of hiring a new veterans service officer, a position that has been vacant 2½ months.
The Board of Supervisors accepted David Ellison’s resignation from the position on Feb. 21, effective Feb. 28.
Supervisors discussed with Board Attorney Jacqueline Meek on May 1 the job description being prepared for the vacant position. Board members emphasized that they preferred the VSO to be a veteran who has served on foreign soil.
“You can make the requirements more specific than the (state) statute,” Meek told them.
The county first advertised for the job opening in the May 5 issue of the Progress-Times and the ad was to run again today. The person hired will perform administrative work in advising veterans and dependents of available benefits, assist in completing and submitting required forms, obtaining necessary legal documents, medical records and other documents in support of a claim, and other duties as necessary.
Salary for the part-time position will be based on experience. Applications are available at the chancery clerk’s office in the Courthouse and when completed must be returned there by 5 p.m. Monday, May 15.
Supervisors have discussed plans to appoint a committee to interview/screen applicants and recommend finalists to the board. The next board meetings are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday and May 31.
April 17
In previously unreported business from April 17, minutes show the board approved a motion that day to spread upon the minutes the Office of State Aid Road Construction’s approval of the State Aid Project 78-(11)M for base repair, leveling and striping on 34.795 miles.
April 28
On April 28, minutes show the board voted to accept the Mississippi Emergency Management Association Mitigation Grant Program project application titled “Saferoom Webster County Communications Center.”
The grant is in the amount of $2.3 million and the application was signed by the president of the board. The grant is apparently for the previously discussed hardening of the new jail/facility to be erected on the courthouse property. The board voted Jan. 31 to allow Deputy Tim Roberson to be administrator of that project.
Retiree Insurance
The board approved a motion concerning retiree insurance on April 28 when Karen Pogue of Affordable Employee Benefits was present. The motion reads:
“The board being well advised in the premises, finds that there are instances wherein employees may wish to retire prior to reaching age 65 and prior to the time they are eligible for Medicare. The board further finds that this board has the authority to allow retirees to join the Webster County Medical and Life Insurance after retirement by paying the entire cost thereof according to (the Mississippi Code).
“The board, after considering same is of the opinion that effective May 1, 2023, employees who wish to retire and remain on Webster County’s Medical and Life Insurance under the following conditions:
“1. Retiree must have completed eight years’ service with Webster County, and be vested with PERS.
“2. Retiree must have participated in the Webster County Medical and Life Insurance for a continuous period of at least eight years.
“3. Retiree participation coverage under this order will terminate upon retiree reaching the age of 65 or becoming eligible for Medicare.”
