The Monday, August 5, Board of Supervisors meeting began with Tracy Boone of the MSU Carroll County Extension Service introducing herself and her topic of discussion.
“So, as y’all know we’ve been having a farmer’s market every Thursday on the courthouse lawn. It’s done really good. It’s started slowing down so we’re probably looking at stopping it come the first of September, so the last Thursday in August,” Boone introduced the topic of discussion.
“What I wanted to come talk to y’all about is a little bit about what we’re thinking for the upcoming years. It’s not gonna happen right off the bat, but we do have several people on board. There’s a property in North Carrollton, this old cotton gin - The Senior Citizens Center also sits there - We’re looking to get some grants and sponsorships to actually have an open air farmer’s market but also incorporate the Senior Citizens building there,” she stated.
Boone went on to explain that several of the supporters of the Big Sand Farmer’s Market were looking into purchasing the land the old gin sits on near Marshall Road and eventually building a sort of event venue or forum. She cited support from State Senator Lydia Chassaniol and State Representative Carl Oliver for the project. Currently the approximately 2 acre lot in question already has electricity and water hookups, making it a prime spot for a community gathering spot. In addition to the market, Boone explained the versatility of the venue, adding that the space could be used for hosting additional events such as 4-H competitions, livestock shows, and possibly incorporating the food pantry into the plans. Not only this, North Carrollton Mayor Ken Strachan has also shown a great passion for having a nature trail in the vicinity of the gin. With all this in mind, the Town of North Carrollton and the supporting committee of the Big Sand Farmer’s Market have great aspirations for a community center on the property. Boone stated that a meeting will be held on Thursday, August 22, at 5 p.m. at the Extension Office to discuss the proposition and planning further in depth.
For the next major item on the agenda, the Board addressed several road improvement projects for the county’s roads. The Board agreed to County Road 286 Improvement Project in Beat 1 in the amount of $257,626.15, County Roads 126 and 123 Road Improvement Project in the amount of $546,362.81, County Roads 148, 217, and 49 Road Improvement Project in the amount of $614,358.55, and County Roads 26, 27, and 264 Road Improvement Project in the amount of $664,358.55. For these projects, the Board agreed to use contractors from 12 month bids that were approved in January of 2024. The funding for these projects is said to come at no expense to the county taxpayers, as Supervisor Jim Neil reports that the money was appropriated from the legislature for infrastructure improvements in a lump sum of approximately $2,250,000.
In other news the Board:
• Approved the minutes for the July 1, 15, and 29 meetings.
• Agreed to the transfer of Beat 1 Rotary Cutter HX15 Flex Wing to Beat 3 Inventory.
• Approved homestead chargebacks for 2023.
• Agreed to Supervisor Neill signing the MDEQ Small Construction Notice of Intent.
• Approved to terminate the Collection Agreement Contract between Carroll County Justice Court Southern District and American Municipal Services (AMS), effective September 30, 2024.
• Accepted quote for Dent Turner to install one Mini Split unit in the front room of the Carrollton Tax Office in the amount of $3,980.
• Approved the Emergency Management Agency, NIMS Compliance Certification Statement.
• Agreed to the purchase of 98 pieces of lumber in the amount of $4,933.60 ($4233.60 for the lumber and $700 for freight) for County Road 243 Bridge, Beat 4 work to be paid out of the Bridge Fund.
• Approved to advertise in The Conservative August 8 and 15 for County Roads 163, 143, and 238 EWP Bank Stabilization Projects.
• Approved SABP-08(01) County Road 31 Beat 4 to pay Lorenzo Smith $2,800 for a Construction Easement for 0.159 acres and Right of Way 0.891 acres.
• Agreed to signing the MOHS Seatbelt Grant and the MOHS DUI Grant.
• Approved reimbursement for Chancery Clerk Casey Carpenter to attend Fiscal Year 25 Grant Implementation Meeting September 2024 in Canton.
• Approved the MDOC Contract with CCRCF.
• Agreed to pay the following claims: Willis Engineering in the amount of $18,430.55 for County Road 83 Improvements. J.J. Ferguson S&G, Inc. in the amount of $291,235.85 for County Road 83 Improvements. Data Systems Management, Inc. for IBM iSeries Hardware Maintenance only in the amount of $1,920. Beard and Riser Architects for MDAH Courthouse Grant in the amount of $16,196.18. Credit Card Payment in the amount of $527.60.
• Agreed to spread the following items: Board Clerk Casey Carpenter presented to the Board the Comparative Budget for July 2024. MDEQ North Carrollton POTW Draft Permit Public Notice. 2024 Home Rehabilitation Grant Public Hearing. Life Help budget request. Ken Strachan, Request for Payment (EMPG) in the amount of $4,849.43. Certificate from Department of Revenue approving Assessors Recapitulations.
• Approved the docket of claims.
• Agreed to Recess until August 9in the Vaiden Courthouse at 9 a.m.
