Tuesday, the Poplarville Board of Aldermen discussed a number of routine city items, including utility rates, installation of a swing at City Park and the inspection of the city’s water facility.
During their March board meeting, the Pearl River County Utility Authority approved a new rate and fee structure, which will go into effect on May 1. In response, the board authorized changes be made to the city’s utility billing software.
The base fee for usage up to 3,000 gallons will remain $29.75. The overage will increase from $2.50 to $3 per each 1,000 gallons.
Linda Hawkins, with the Poplarville Women’s Club, presented Mayor Brad Necaise a check in the amount of $500 to be used to purchase a parent/child swing.
The current swing is deteriorating. The new swing will allow the parent and child to swing at the same time while facing each other.
Poplarville Public Works Director Sam Hale informed the board about the recent yearly inspection of the city’s water facility by the Mississippi State Department of Health Bureau of Public Water Supply.
“The inspector strongly recommends that the city adopt a written policy to read, that we routinely review and adjust the city’s water rates as appropriately as needed,” Hale said. “We do it anyway, but don’t have a written policy that I can show her. We did receive 5, high marks, which is the highest you can receive on a capacity assessment rating.”
The board approved the adoption of such a policy.

In other action:
• Hale updated the board about repairs to the building at 101 N. Main St. Hale said they have completed the demolition of the brick planters and treatment for termites began Tuesday. Hale said he will be issuing a purchase order to Keith Lott to start the renovation of the exterior.
• The board approved authorization for Poplarville Police Chief Butch Raby to advertise for two full-time police officers at the hourly of rate $16.31.