The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors held their regularly scheduled second meeting of the month on July 15. The meeting began with a prayer led by Supervisor Willie Earl Townsend Jr., followed by the approval of minutes from the June 3 meeting.
Kilmichael Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dave Eldridge addressed the Board, presenting information about a new fire truck recently acquired by the Kilmichael VFD. Chief Eldridge informed the Board that the title for the truck has been transferred to the town. He also stated that the VFD is responsible for the truck's payment.
The fire truck in question, a tanker pumper, came with a price tag of $30,000. Eldridge had already managed to cover half the cost by selling another truck. Detailing the truck's specifications, Eldridge described a powerful piece of equipment. The tanker pumper has a 3,000-gallon water capacity and a pump capable of moving 1,250 gallons per minute. While the chassis is older, a 1994 Freightliner with 270,000 miles, the firefighting equipment itself is a valuable asset.
He stressed that this new addition wasn't just for his department. The tanker pumper is intended to strengthen the capabilities of volunteer fire departments across the county, enhancing their collective ability to respond to emergencies.
“I sold a truck to pay half of it, and I was coming to ask if y’all would help donate a little bit to the cause to help pay for it,” Eldridge said.
His second point was to ask the Board for a raise for the department.
“We need a raise, if at all possible,” Eldridge said. “We’re just asking for a little bit more help to maintain what we do and to give you the best service that we possibly can.”
After much discussion with the Board, they decided to take both of the requests under advisement.
In other news, the Board:
• Authorized to approve the minutes from the June 3 meeting.
• Authorized to advertise for bids to construct the Red Hill Fire Department.
• Authorized to renew the contract for Jamie Russell for real and personal property data entry for the tax office.
• Authorized a professional services contract with Golden Triangle PDD for budget and inventory services.
• Authorized to renew the copier contract in the tax assessor’s office at $100 per month.
• Authorized to ratify the sale of the Sheriff’s Dodge Charger to Mathiston PD on July 2.
• Authorized a handwritten check to the state treasurer in the amount of $15,813.70 for costs incurred on deleted project #LSBP-49(17) King Hill Road.
• Authorized a letter from State Aid forfeiting LSBP funds due to non use.
• Authorized to ratify a handwritten check being issued to the Department of Revenue in the amount of $39 for replacement titles on July 2.
• Authorized a handwritten check to Home Hardware in the amount of $218.79 for past due invoices.
• Authorized to accept the resignation of Kelly Beck from the Coliseum.
• Authorized to accept the Homestead Exemption adjustment for 8 residents.
• Authorized to object to the Homestead Exemption adjustment for 1 resident.
• Authorized Ryan and Ashly to attend the Civil Commitment Process meeting at State Hospital on July 17 and pay mileage.
• Authorized Ryan Wood to attend the MAS Risk Management Conference in Pearl, on August 20-21 and pay registration, lodging, and travel.
• Authorized a handwritten check to East Mont. Hospital in the amount of $500 for reimbursement.
