WALTHALL — Webster County leaders have begun the process of seeking funds for construction of a new jail/command center.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Aug. 16 to pursue a County Facilities Direct Loan and Grant up to the amount of $5 million from USDA Rural Development for construction of a jail and command center at Walthall. The motion to do so was made by Doug Burgess (District 5) and seconded by Paul Crowley (District 4).
The Golden Triangle Planning and Development District will prepare the grant application and a public hearing will be required.
The motion was made and approved after discussion with Sheriff's Department Administrative Assistant Tim Roberson, state Sen. Bart Williams (R-District 15), Area Director Cliff Russell and Casey Baugh of USDA Rural Development, and Phylis Benson of the GTPDD. Sheriff David Gore was unable to attend the meeting but had briefly discussed the matter with the board on Aug. 2.
Roberson specifically described the proposed facility as a command center and not only a new jail that would include 911 operations. The sheriff's office and county jail are now located on Government Avenue in Eupora, and the Webster County 911 Center is now located on the former Wood College campus in Mathiston.
If the project comes to fruition, the facility would be built on the 6-acre Courthouse site off Highway 9 in the county seat. Roberson said a rough draft rendering has already been prepared.
Russell said the county is eligible for grant assistance of 35% of the project cost and a low-interest loan for up to 20 years, and that he would do what he could to help. Benson mentioned the possibility of financing the facility through a lease-purchase agreement with the Golden Triangle Public Buildings Leasing Corp., which was used for construction of the new Courthouse.
Other Funding
In addition to the USDA-RD funding, Williams said he would work toward securing an additional appropriation through the Legislature for the facility.
"Over the next few years, I think you can get you can get a jail funded. … This is my top priority," said Williams, who commended the board for acting so quickly. He said the state would like to see a financial commitment from the county of at least $1 million.
County grand juries that have inspected the jail have pointed out insufficient conditions there for years.
"Something's got to be done," said Randy Rico (District 3).
School District's
Budget Request
Additionally on Aug. 16, Board Attorney Buchanan Meek Jr. consulted via speakerphone with Mark Johnson, Technicalities Division, state Auditor's Office regarding the county school district's budget request. Board President Pat Cummings and Meek had previously met with Superintendent Brian Jones about the matter, according to the discussion.
The board questioned whether the amount requested should be less an overage of $160,000-plus received from the county last year and if the district should put that amount in escrow. The district's "2021-21 Ad Valorem Tax Request Worksheet" does not show any amount debited on the ad valorem tax escrow line in determining its net ad valorem tax request for operations, which is about $3.23 million.
The board was of the opinion that the money should have been escrowed. Johnson basically told board it must provide the amount of money requested.
The Board of Supervisors recessed until Aug. 31.
