The Sunflower County Board of Supervisors, at the request of County Engineer Ron Cassada, voted on Monday to sign a Memorandum of Agreement in the amount of $650,832 to move forward with the Indianola College Avenue Bridge project.
Cassada told the board he plans to open bids on June 17 at 10 a.m. He also gave them an update on other bridge projects across the county.
Also, Board President Glenn Donald expressed his displeasure over the lack of attention being given to persons that are discarding their household trash on county roads.
District 2 Supervisor Riley Rice showed photos of trash that was discarded along Kinlock Road that included among other large objects, a black three-section leather sofa.
Donald said the solid waste clerks receive a $4,800 incentive and part of their duty is to catch and fine anyone who is throwing trash on county roads and something needs to be done to make sure they are doing their jobs.
Hidden cameras are also now in place to assist in the apprehension of the violators.
The discussion also included displeasure over the job performance or lack of performance as is related to the five assistant road managers.
They questioned if there was need for that many. Referring specifically to District 5, Rice said, “You have some people up there that ain't doing nothing. Let’s face facts.”
Initially Donald wanted to bring the assistant managers in for a sit-down session with the Supervisors, but Rice suggested letting the road manager address the issue first.
So, the county lawmakers charged Road Manager T.J. Fairley with assessing the situation and coming back to the board with his recommendations.
The board also voted to accept a $3,200 quote from Lynchard Fence Company to erect a black fence around the new Life Help building.
The county lawmakers voted to use Southern Procurement to handle a reverse auction to purchase a new full-service ambulance for the county.
Emergency Management Director Danny Evans said the county had more than enough flood damage to county roads to qualify for federal assistance, however the county did not qualify for individual assistance for residents.
Donald asked what it would take to qualify and Evans said there was no specific amount, but it had to be significant widespread damage and there was not enough reported and verified.
He also told the Supervisors that county emergency volunteers and personnel are being trained on the new grain bin extraction equipment.
Sunflower County Economic Development Director Fred Washington shared the estimated cost to demolish the old Ludlow building and it would be around $400,000.
The board took no action, but alluded to that being too much to pay to demolish the structure and are looking at other possible options for use.
They heard an announcement and other statements from Senate candidate B. C. Hammond.
The county lawmakers also listened to a presentation from representatives of the 2020 Census.
They are seeking the county’s support and assistance in getting the word out about the importance of the upcoming Census noting that the more accurate the count the better it increases the county’s chance to receive benefits.
A meeting was scheduled for Wednesday at the Henry M. Seymour Library. They also shared their strategy for informing the residents that the census is coming.
Tracy Weeks from the Sunflower County Health Department presented the lawmakers with a list of items that need to be addressed and repaired at the U.S 49 building including a leaky roof, lack of smoke detectors and an additional AC unit.
Board Attorney Johnny McWilliams opened up a discussion about the Yazoo-Mississippi Development Joint Water Management Commission and said that the county needs to consider adding a third commissioner on the board. Tucker Miller, a District 5 resident was recommended and approved.
