Creating a permanent zoning ordinance for Sunflower County has been a topic of discussion for the board of supervisors for some time, and the subject came up again during this past Monday’s board meeting.
District 1 Supervisor Glenn Donald initiated the discussion, questioning whether any progress had been made on zoning due to ongoing uncertainty among landowners regarding potential developments near their properties.
“Can I ask a question? Has any work been done on zoning?” Donald asked. “Landowners are worried about anyone being able to come in and do whatever they want next to their established properties. Without zoning, you could have a chicken factory next to a golf course.”
In response, County Code Enforcement Officer Percell Moore shared his previous experience with zoning efforts, mentioning a conversation with Andrew Smith, who successfully implemented zoning in Moorhead.
“I gave him your number and that of Dr. (Gloria) McIntosh to begin the zoning process,” Moore said, emphasizing that establishing zoning requires a comprehensive plan, a progressive plan and several other plans to be developed beforehand.
Donald pointed out that there has been a notable influx of companies moving from the West to the Mississippi Delta due to challenges in obtaining insurance.
“All you have to do is talk to the insurance companies; they aren’t able to get insurance in California anymore, and they’re relocating to areas like Mississippi,” he said. “These companies won’t want to set up in places without proper zoning.”
He also discussed the advantages of moving to Mississippi, including the availability of land and better insurance rates.
Donald recalled a past incident involving an asphalt plant, APAC, that attempted to establish itself in the Indianola industrial park. Due to the lack of zoning, the project was ultimately abandoned and moved to Greenwood. “We need to be proactive,” he emphasized. “If we don’t have zoning, prospective companies won’t consider our area.”
The conversation highlighted the long-standing agreement that while Sunflower County lacks its own zoning, areas within the Indianola Planning Commission are subject to zoning regulations.
Board President Gloria Dickerson suggested placing zoning on the agenda for further discussion.
Board Attorney Johnny McWilliams stressed the importance of hiring a planning firm to develop a comprehensive plan, suggesting that utilizing the same firm as the City of Indianola could provide valuable insights.
Donald shared examples from other regions, such as the AI plant in Madison, which moved from Holmes County, noting how companies have relocated to areas that better suited their operational needs due to inadequate planning in their initial locations.
“It’s essential that we don’t miss out on opportunities if we fail to establish zoning,” Donald warned.
The board agreed to place the zoning discussion on the upcoming agenda for further consideration. Donald expressed the need for the planning firm to present their proposal and timeline.
“We need to ensure that we are prepared for future developments and don’t get left behind,” he said.
As the board moves forward, they will explore the possibility of contacting planning firms to discuss the zoning process and its implications for Sunflower County.
