Supervisors hear about project progress, other business
Published 7:00 am Wednesday, November 23, 2016
The Pearl River County Board of Supervisors heard reports from several departments on Monday, and handled several routine matters.
County Engineer Les Dungan said the annual inspection for state aid roads should take place in December. Final inspections for several overlay projects and the George Ford Road project will be conducted on Dec. 1, Dungan said.
The contract for replacing four bridges on Springhill Road were approved by the state and Dungan said the contractor is expected to begin the work next year. The construction will cause some shifting road closures and is funded by state-aid. Dungan said he is meeting with the contractors after the Thanksgiving holiday to discuss the schedule.
Dungan also said installation of a wastewater treatment system is underway at Walkiah Bluff and should be complete soon.
County Road Manager Charlie Schielder said the cooler weather is causing some of their larger projects to slow. As a result, his crews are preparing for more work to be done in the spring. The Board also approved a motion to advertise for semi-annual bids for asphalt and limestone providers.
In a separate matter, the Board discussed a request to waive the building permit fee for Heritage Christian Academy, a 501(c)3 non-profit.
During the discussion, District II Supervisor Malcolm Perry said the county doesn’t waive fees for churches and other non-profits unless the entity was affected by a disaster, such as fire or storm damage.
A representative of the school said they did not want special treatment and would pay the fee if that was the county’s policy.
The Board tabled the matter until the next meeting.
A $6,000 grant from the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security was executed by the Board for the purchase of a boat motor.
Pearl River County Emergency Management Director Danny Manley said the purchase is part of an agreement with Hancock County to have access to an inflatable rescue boat.
In other news, the Board:
- Acknowledged the Department of Revenue’s one mill levy collected for 2016.
- Approved court appointments in Chancery and Youth Courts.
- Approved the workers’ compensation insurance renewal for 2017.
- Approved advertising at the South Mississippi District Livestock Show in Hattiesburg.
- Approved 16th section leases for Pearl River County and Picayune School districts.
- Acknowledged receipt of 2014 audit and said it is available at several county offices.
- Reopened bids for the former Pearl River County School District’s superintendent’s building and property on Highway 11. The Board will accept and award bids for purcahase at the Jan. 18 meeting.
The next Board meeting will be held on Dec. 5 at 9 a.m.