The City of Indianola has approved a redistricting plan, just months ahead of the 2025 municipal election.
This comes two weeks after a hearing for public comment was held regarding the original proposed plan by consulting firm Slaughter & Willingham.
The Oxford-based firm had told the public during that hearing that the deviation between the ward with the highest population and the ward with the lowest population was 26.5%, well above what they described as the ideal under 10%.
The board, with three present on Monday night, voted unanimously to move forward with redistricting.
Helicopter Pad Donation
The board voted 2-1 this past Monday to donate $5,000 toward the construction of a new helicopter pad next to Community Bank and across from South Sunflower County Hospital.
The request for the donation was made months ago by business owner Wade Turner and SSCH CEO Courtney Phillips.
Ward 5 Alderman Sam Brock said that he would have liked to have seen a more comprehensive list of donors and if the county is going to contribute any resources to the project.
Ward 1 Alderman Gary Fratesi made the motion with the contingency that the money be paid after 50% of construction is complete. Ward 4 Alderman Marvin Elder seconded the motion.
They voted yes, and Brock voted no.
Hambone Mural
The city agreed on Monday to advertise a Request for Proposals for the proposed Hambone Brown mural project at Turner’s Downtown Market.
The project has been on the table for some time.
Alderman Fratesi asked Mayor Ken Featherstone if a budget had been created for the project.
“We need to have a number in mind,” he said.
The RFP is on Page B8.
Van Purchase
The city tabled again the purchase of a 16-passenger van for the police department.
The board seems in favor of buying the van, which will be used to transport inmates to and from court and other places, but it is not clear where the money will come from to purchase the vehicle.
Ward 4 Alderman Marvin Elder assured IPD Chief Ronald Sampson that the board will authorize the purchase. It is thought that legislative dollars will be allocated for it this session.
Hires
The city made a number of hires on Monday night, including the return of Markricus “Bo” Hibbler to IPD as the part-time range officer and part-time patrolman.
Earvin Gibson is also making a return to the city, coming back to public works.
Johnny Hughes was presented to be the inspection department’s waste management officer, but no action was taken on that hire this week.
