Sunflower County’s Board of Supervisors took decisive steps Monday morning, Nov. 3, in support of the county’s economic development, approving project contracts and updating key agreements at a regular meeting held at the Sunflower County Courthouse.
The meeting, attended by Board President Gloria Dickinson, supervisors Glenn Donald, Riley Rice, Roger Anthony, and Anthony Clark, as well as county officials Sheriff James Haywood, Chancery Clerk Dr. Gloria McIntosh, and Administrator Mary Hart, opened with routine business and moved swiftly to high-profile agenda items.
The board discussed and formally entered into a contract with Deriva Energy, paving the way for the planned Blue Bayou solar facility in Sunflower County. The Blue Bayou project, led by Deriva, is set to deliver up to 300 megawatts of clean power across 2,100 acres of fenced area, representing an estimated capital investment far exceeding minimum state requirements. The development promises a significant local impact, including over 100 construction jobs at peak activity and permanent staff positions, alongside enhanced county and school tax revenues through negotiated incentive agreements.
According to project documents, the county stands to capture over $132 million in new tax revenue over the life of the project. For the first 10 years, Sunflower County is projected to receive direct average annual payments of more than $2.1 million through an 80% Fee-in-Lieu-of-Tax (FILOT) agreement, plus a 50% property tax exemption on developed parcels in years 11-20. The school district is expected to benefit as well, with projected cumulative revenue of nearly $5 million approved by incentives. Over 35 years, the total cumulative property tax revenue to the county and schools is estimated to exceed $55 million, while developed parcels could yield over $41.5 million under current projections.
These figures reflect a substantial increase over the current tax base and are seen by county officials as vital for funding public services, education, and infrastructure. The board also noted the importance of such long-term revenue stability in the context of other loans and obligations—including timely payments to the Mississippi Development Authority.
The board also approved contract agreements with Upchurch, primarily focused on infrastructure improvements and facility upgrades for county properties. Supervisors reviewed a range of administrative payments and received updates from various departments, including the sheriff’s office, which reported monthly settlements and the hiring of replacement personnel for jail operations.
During the meeting, discussions highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure prompt loan repayment and responsible budget management, seeing timely revenue from energy projects as key for maintaining the county’s financial health and eligibility for future economic partnerships.
Supervisors handled resignations and new hires in law enforcement and administrative posts and addressed maintenance issues, including security upgrades for county buildings. Lighting and HVAC improvements for the jail were reviewed as part of broader facility updates managed by Upchurch and related service providers.
The board concluded open session with motions on engineering estimates for water projects in Doddsville and roadwork for Adair and Patterson Road.
The Blue Bayou solar project with Deriva Energy, along with other approved contracts, reflects Sunflower County’s commitment to economic growth, renewable energy, and improved public infrastructure, while offering the promise of robust revenue for the next decade and beyond.
