The Sunflower County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Monday to purchase a mobility scooter and ramp for E911 Director John Thompson.
Thompson had formally requested the accommodations to continue performing his duties after losing mobility in his right leg.
At this week’s session, Thompson addressed the board and county officials, explaining the challenges he faces getting from his office to the sheriff’s department and other key E911 infrastructure sites.
“I think I’ve been doing my job very well to my ability,” Thompson told the board. “Since I’ve been stricken with lymphedema, I don’t have the ability in my right leg. I can’t even get to the sheriff’s department because I can’t walk from my office to their office. All my equipment is there at the sheriff’s department. I asked before for a scooter, and I can’t do my job to the fullest unless I have the tools that I need.”
The board, comprising Supervisors Glenn Donald, Riley Rice, Roger Anthony, Anthony Clark and President Gloria Dickerson, debated the best way to accommodate Thompson’s needs. County Administrator Mary Hart, Chancery Clerk Gloria McIntosh and Sheriff James Haywood were also present.
Supervisor Donald emphasized the practicality of the request.
“A scooter is a mechanism that helps a person move around. The main 911 tower, the generator—John operates all that. There’s gravel, you’re down a road that [a] wheelchair’s not gonna roll in. That scooter enhances him to keep our 911 system going,” Donald said. “911 has funds that are not from ad valorem taxes. There are more than enough funds to purchase this scooter.”
Dickerson sought clarification on whether the county could purchase a ramp and use Thompson’s existing personal scooter, but Thompson expressed his reluctance to mix personal and work equipment.
“I feel like I don’t want to bring my own scooter down here,” Thompson said. “If I had a county scooter, I wouldn’t have to worry about mixing my personal and work use. I don’t need that county scooter to go to Walmart or church—I just need it to do my job.”
McIntosh reminded the board of prior accommodations already made for Thompson, including a different truck for easier access to job sites.
“This is the first time that John has come in here and said anything about what’s going on with him,” McIntosh said. “We can’t treat you as ADA if we don’t know that.”
Rice, in a statement of support, made the motion: “I want this board and the public to know I have no intention of restricting you from doing your job. I think it’s worth more to the public that we just go on and buy you that scooter and ramp.”
