The Sunflower County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting this past Monday.
All five supervisors—Glenn Donald (District 1), Riley Rice (District 2), Roger Anthony (District 3), Anthony Clark (District 4) and Board President Gloria Dickerson (District 5)—were present, along with County Administrator Mary Hart, Chancery Clerk Gloria McIntosh and Sheriff James Haywood.
Routine Business and Financial Approvals
The meeting opened with a prayer delivered by Supervisor Glenn Donald, followed by the unanimous adoption of the agenda. The board reviewed and approved a series of routine departmental and financial reports, including those from the justice court, chancery clerk, circuit clerk, tax assessor and collector, solid waste department, emergency management, and sheriff’s office. Motions for approval and payment of claims were typically introduced by Supervisor Rice and seconded by Supervisor Clark, passing without objection.
Staff Recognition and Scholarship Presentation
A notable highlight occurred when Chancery Clerk Gloria McIntosh announced the 2025 MAS-MC Scholarship Award to Madison White, who was recognized as the winner of the essay contest and received a $1,000 scholarship.
Contracts, Grants, and Personnel Actions
The board authorized several contracts, grants, and personnel changes, including:
• Approval of the Emergency Solutions Grant application to support housing services.
• Extensions of computer service and support agreements.
• Authorization for staff to travel to Jackson, Miss., for workforce development training opportunities.
• Approval of petitions for firefighter training travel in Biloxi.
Personnel actions included the appointment of Heather Daniel as Assistant Receiving Clerk in the chancery office and the approval of several resignations and terminations. The board discussed and approved salary adjustments for the South End and North End solid waste managers and considered future plans to combine Emergency Management Agency (EMA) responsibilities with the E911 department, with potential reassignment for current E911 Director John Thompson.
Engineering and Maintenance Updates
County Engineer Ron Cassada received approval for change orders concerning infrastructure projects in the Town of Sunflower and for ongoing road repair and signage efforts, funded in part by E911 funds. The board also reviewed contract proposals for culvert installation and other maintenance issues.
Veterans and Community Affairs
Veterans Service Officer Ola Kirk gave updates on programs and expenditures, recommended the appointment of Ernest Nelson as Assistant County Veterans Service Officer effective January 1, 2026, and shared news from the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers. The board also addressed requests from community leaders, including assistance for projects in Drew and Moorhead and street repair updates from Inverness Mayor David Smith.
Economic Development
Economic Development Director Steve Rosenthal provided updates on current projects and permits, including approval of a permit for OCI Energy/Girasol Solar Farm. He reported continued applications for grants to support workforce development and other economic initiatives.
Ongoing Budget
Discussions and Working Lunch
At noon, the board recessed for a working lunch. During this time, they continued to work on the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, considering recommendations from County Administrator Mary Hart, Chancery Clerk Gloria McIntosh, and contributions from all board members. The board will finalize and vote on the new budget at a future meeting, allowing time for thorough review and additional discussion.
Other Actions and Adjournment
Other business included updates from specialty courts, transitional shelter initiatives, and a supplemental benefits presentation from the Petra Group. The meeting was adjourned following an executive session, with the next regular session scheduled for August 4.
