The Webster County Board of Supervisors discussed potential projects for a federal job-creation grant last week.
Planner George Crawford of the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District met with the board at a special-called meeting Thursday. The Enterprise Director Lara Bowman was also in attendance.
Crawford informed the board that Webster County was eligible for funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration. He said the federal agency requested a list of potential projects for an 80 percent grant with a 20 percent required match. Projects would have to create jobs to qualify, according to Crawford, who said the application deadline was the next day, Friday.
"They're looking at something that's gonna make a splash," he said
After discussing all possible projects, the short notice of the grant's availability and consulting with Bowman, the board determined that the county had no projects involving county-owned buildings or property that would qualify. Board President Pat Cummings also noted the county has an Appalachian Regional Commission grant in the works for the sewer system and infrastructure at the new courthouse.
Crawford said Friday he did submit planned HVAC improvements at the city-owned Tilsatec building in Eupora as a potential project. Webster is eligible for funding because it is among disaster-declared counties in Mississippi, he said, apparently because of the 2011 tornado damage here.
EDA provides grants and technical assistance to economically distressed communities in order to generate new employment, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth. Proposed changes in the Trump administration's 2019 budget proposal, released Feb. 12, include eliminating the agency. The administration said it duplicates programs at the departments of agriculture and transportation, according to published reports.
Also at Thursday's meeting, Crawford and Bowman discussed the availability of 100 percent Brownfield Assessment Grants from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Jan. 16
At a recessed meeting on Jan. 16, the board adopted a resolution to settle all issues in litigation brought by Ian Harris and his mother, Paula Harris over the ownership and possession of a 2007 Chrysler C300. The resolution states the Webster County Sheriff’s Department had worked out a settlement arrangement with them to settle and compromise all issues.
According to the document, the board agreed to accept $3,000 as a full cash settlement to be paid by the Harrises for the ownership and possession of the car in an “as-is” “where-is” condition, and including a release of the county for any and all claims of the Harrises against the county.
Ian Harris, now 34, was involved in a one-vehicle auto accident in March 2016 on Highway 82 at the Highway 9 exit ramp. His car and all belongings inside were confiscated in connection with a resulting drug charge, according to court records.
The Harrises had filed a “Petition to Contest Forfeiture and Request Judicial Review” in July 2016. Circuit Judge George Mitchell Jr. dismissed the civil case with prejudice (permanently) this Jan. 18 upon a joint motion of all parties.
Last June in Justice Court, Ian Harris was found guilty of two misdemeanor charges of DUI-second offense and possession of meth, which he appealed to Circuit Court. He pleaded guilty Jan. 8 to a reduced charge of DUI-1st offense and simple possession of methamphetamine less than 1 gram.
Additionally on Jan. 16, the board voted to:
• approve these Sheriff’s Department personnel changes — accept the resignation of Betty Wiley as a full-time jailer effective Jan. 8, hire Undrea Peeples as a full-time jailer to replace Wiley effective Jan. 16, hire Marvin Cullum as a part-time jailer, and hire Chase Voyles and Blake Love as part-time deputies, effective Jan. 16.
• go onto the property of Joe Wright in District 4 to clear trees and a bank of dirt that are in the curve of the road, as agreed to by Wright.
• hire Michael Brooks and W.M. Brooks & Associates LLC to provide an appraisal on land donated to the county by the Henley Living Trust for a bridge project in 2017. The firm will be paid $500 for the appraisal.
• spread a copy of the grand jury report (published Jan. 17) on the minutes. The board responded as follows: “We, the Board of Supervisors of Webster County, take notice of the problems of the buildings as pointed out by the Grand Jury. We will address these issues and will repair them as funds are available.”
• accept a proposal from Dixie Roofing of Winona to repair the roof at the Department of Human Services building for $1,875.
• make an interfund loan from District 4 Bridge to District 4 Road. The loan will be paid back as follows: $4,000 in fiscal year 2017-18 and balance in FY 2018-19.
Jan. 22
At a recessed meeting Jan. 22, minutes show that JH&H architect Adam Haver addressed the board concerning phone lines, data outlets, electrical outlets and other matters at the new courthouse.
The board voted to allow the county election commissioners to attend mandatory Election Commissioners' Association of Mississippi training Jan. 24-26 in Philadelphia.
Jan. 31
David Goodwin of Southern Telecommunications Co. addressed the board Jan. 31 concerning questions about phone service and bill, according to the minutes.
The board designated a school bus turnaround for 2017-18 at 1255 Tomahawk Road in District 2 and approved the claims docket for the month.
Feb. 5
On Feb. 5, the board approved motions to:
• enter into a contract with Meek and Meek Attorneys concerning title work on a bridge project in District 2.
• pay a $690 invoice from Harrison Plumbing of Mathiston even though no requisition was submitted for the work.
• advertise for grass cutting and landscaping at county-owned sites. Bids will be opened March 5.
• hire Benny Neal as a part-time road hand for District 2. As a retiree in the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi, he will work no more than 80 hours a month in all.
The board was to meet again Tuesday morning and its next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 28.
