Sunflower County supervisors outlined a multiweek push to clear storm debris and restore normal trash service following January’s crippling ice storm, while also working through a full slate of routine county business Monday.
Board members spent part of their morning discussion on the lingering impact of the late-January ice storm, which left hundreds of homes without power and complicated garbage pickup across rural roads. District 1 Supervisor Glenn Donald said garbage trucks have been forced to run in the early morning hours, when frozen ground can support their weight, because saturated gravel roads leave trucks at risk of getting stuck later in the morning.
Supervisors also addressed social media confusion over whether trash routes would run and urged residents to be patient as crews work around damaged roads and downed limbs. They said road and solid waste crews are hauling what they can reach now and will continue picking up debris residents move to the roadside, in coordination with emergency management guidance and state winter-storm assistance programs.
The Sunflower County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting at 8 a.m. Feb. 2 at the county courthouse in Indianola, with all five supervisors present along with key county staff. The board adopted its agenda and heard the opening and prayer from Donald before moving into approvals of the January minutes and the county claims docket. The claims docket included a long list of road, fuel, solid waste and airport-related payments that totaled about $549,911 for the period discussed.
Supervisors also approved a payment to Thompson Machinery tied to equipment expenses and handled several other overage and vendor payments connected to solid waste and road operations.
Chancery clerk and
administrative items
Chancery Clerk Gloria McIntosh presented her report, and supervisors voted to recognize Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, as Presidents Day, a legal holiday when county offices will be closed. The board approved an increase in the county mileage reimbursement rate from 70 cents per mile to 72.5 cents per mile, effective Jan. 1, to match updated travel guidance.
McIntosh also brought forward the county’s updated four-year road plan, which outlines priority road projects for each supervisor district. Supervisors agreed to sign the plan’s signature page, noting they will continue working with the road manager on field reviews and any needed adjustments as newer mileage and borrowing information is added.
Circuit clerk, tax and sheriff reports
Circuit Clerk Carolyn Hamilton reported that the county had received a resignation letter from William Pearce, effective Jan. 31, and the board voted to accept it. Tax Assessor-Collector Cynthia Chandler presented notices to increase the assessment of real and personal property on behalf of Great American Financial, which supervisors approved.
Sheriff James Haywood delivered the sheriff’s report, including monthly settlement tallies and a daily meal log reflecting more than 5,553 inmate meals for the reporting period. Supervisors received the report without objection and stressed the importance of documenting storm-related overtime and emergency operations for potential state and federal reimbursement.
County engineer, road department and
economic development
County Engineer Ron Cassada asked the board to approve a contract change order for drainage improvements in Ruleville under the county’s 2025 capital project list, which supervisors supported. Road Manager Ernest Ross submitted the monthly road maintenance report, detailing ongoing grading, patching and material work across districts already strained by the recent ice and thaw.
Supervisors also discussed plans to take surplus garbage trucks to auction, with a minimum price to be set before accepting any contract offers. Later in the meeting, Economic Development Director Steve Rosenthal and the Rev. Sylvester Cannon led a discussion about repurposing the old Drew High School building, suggesting the county explore partnering with church and community groups to bring the facility back into use.
Judge, supervisor and
attorney items; recess
Chancery Judge Debra Giles met with the board to discuss travel arrangements for specialty court programs and the possibility of securing a credit card for court-related travel purchases, which would remain subject to county purchasing policies. Giles also discussed a proposed summer camp at roughly $250 per student, and supervisors talked about how Sunflower County might serve as the host county for the initiative.
Donald later recommended appointing Richard Noble as commissioner to the Levee Board, replacing Lewis Douglas, and the board approved the appointment. County Attorney Johnny McWilliams presented an extension of the Housing Preservation Grant Agreement, including a remaining balance of about $142,698, and discussed reallocating Harvest Gold grant funds to pay a case manager while also updating the board on the DRC emergency contract and coordination with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
After completing its agenda, the board voted to recess the meeting until 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17.
