The Monday, June 3, Carroll County Board of Supervisors meeting was packed with information, and a grand surprise. The meeting was kicked off with a prayer given by Wilton Neal, former Tax Assessor for Carroll County. Following this, State Senator Lydia Chassaniol was welcomed to the floor. Senator Chassaniol gave a brief speech in which she stated her intention to honor former Tax Assessor Neal as the longest serving Tax Assessor/Collector in the state of Mississippi. After her speech, Senator Chassaniol presented former Tax Assessor Neal with a Senate Resolution signed by Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann and herself.
“I feel overwhelmingly honored for this opportunity. It’s such an awesome thing to serve Carroll County for so long,” Neal addressed the room.
He spoke briefly, expressing his gratitude to Senator Chassaniol and the Board for their support and recognition. After the delightful surprise, Senator Chassaniol and Neal excused themselves from the meeting, so the Board could continue in the conducting of regular business.
The first major and heavily debated subject on the agenda was in regard to reviewing quotes for a contract involving cybersecurity, general website maintenance, and IT support for Carroll County.
“We need someone to come in and get us more up-to-date,” Board Clerk Casey Carpenter spoke on the subject.
The Board reviewed the quotes and elected to go with the lowest yearly quote from North Central Planning and Development District for a flat rate in the amount of $20,000 a year with no limit on hours on site for IT support technicians. This contract will apparently encompass firewall protection, protection on all county computers, keeping software up-to-date, and county webpage work.
The next major point on the agenda was concerning advertising for bids for work on the Carrollton Courthouse Construction which is funded by the MDAH Grant. The Board intends to advertise for the work bids in The Conservative on July 2 and 9 and accepts bids by Aug. 1. They are hopeful that construction work will begin sometime in mid-August. In addition to this, the Board received an update on the ongoing work with the nonfunctioning elevator in the Courthouse from County Engineer Shane Correro, in which he reported he is currently tracking down the specifications for the elevator.
In other business the Board:
• Approved the minutes for May 6, 16, and 28.
• Agreed to pay the Sheriff’s credit card bill for a Dollar General receipt in the amount of $48.58 for supplies, to be paid out of the Sheriff Department Funds.
• Agreed to pay $3,000 for A&S Tree, LLC to cut, remove, and grind the stump of a dead tree in front of the Carrollton Courthouse to prevent causing possible damage.
• Approved to pay $910 per year for a pay increase for Shephanie Holly, Victim’s Assistance Coordinator, as requested by Adam Hopper, District Attorney.
• Agreed to pay Townes Construction for County Road 87 Site 1 in the amount of $25,313 and County Road 87 Site 2 in the amount of $21,900.
• Approved the payment of the following claims; the county credit card bill in the amount of $4,062.34. Gladys Hodges for working in the Northern District Justice Court Office May 15-17, 2024 on the account of both clerks being at a conference. Jurors for trial that was held in Vaiden on May 28, 29, and 30 of 2024. Vaiden Circuit Clerk’s Office Service Agreement Contract with Midsouth Copier in the amount of $1,031.43. Larry Cassidy Bailiff fees for first and second District May Term of Circuit Court in an undisclosed amount. Pay Dunham, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $25,000 for County Road 219 Bid that was accepted on May 6, 2024, contingent on Board President Jim Neill approval. Payment for 12 month Post Office box fees for Vaiden in the amount of $100.
• Discussed and denied acceptance of a FEMA Loan for Carroll County, citing that it would not support rebuilding post disaster.
• Accepted the Claims Docket.
• Recessed until June 24 in Vaiden at 9 a.m.
