City of Hernando

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen convened for a regular session. Key agenda items included the approval of the docket of claims, which totaled $2,987,700.37. The consent agenda covered approvals for various officials to attend conferences, entering into agreements for concession operations at sports complexes, utilizing a facility for youth basketball, approving an Inclement Weather Operations Policy, allowing a non-profit fundraiser use of the Gale Center, and authorizing rentals as prizes for the City-Wide Scavenger Hunt. Discussions also involved personnel matters, including recognition of a Public Works employee of the month, a request for FY26 funding from the First Regional Library, and approval for a General Fund loan to the Utility Fund of up to $250,000.00 to cover storm cleanup shortfalls. The board approved advertising for bids for curbing construction to complete the Oak Grove Roundabout project and approved FY25 Budget Amendments. A Public Hearing was held to discuss the FY26 Tax Levy and Budget, followed by the formal approval of decreasing the FY26 Tax Levy to 35.7654 Mills. Further business included approving an application for up to a $500,000.00 Sewer Grant through the DRA and forming an Ordinance Committee for the 2025-2029 term. Utility adjustments were approved for two addresses due to water leaks. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters within the Police Department, resulting in a decision to suspend an officer without pay pending physician approval and to cover physician fees up to $3,000.00.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the docket of claims amounting to $1,983,472.81 and the approval of personnel docket changes involving pay adjustments for an EMT and two Dispatchers. The Board extensively discussed the potential renaming of a city street to "Charlie Kirk Blvd," involving public comments both in favor and in opposition, ultimately failing to advance the motion to rename. The Board approved the Police Department's application for the 405D Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driving Grant for $154,116.12. Additionally, approval was granted to advertise bids for the fiscal year 2025/2026 paving list, authorize a vehicle VIN as unmarked to replace a surplus vehicle, and approve the lowest/best bid of $836,230.00 from Lehman Roberts for the Asphalt Paving 2025 project. Final plat approvals were granted for several subdivisions (Nesbit Phase 15 Lot 9, Wampler Minor Subdivision, and Delta Landing Phases 3, 4, and 5). The Board also approved the Inmate and Detainee Housing agreement with DeSoto County Jail, authorized the termination of an emergency declaration from May 19, 2025, approved FY26 salary increases to commence on October 5, 2025, accepted a Cybersecurity Grant, and approved utility bill adjustments for customers who experienced leaks. A motion was passed for the Ordinance Committee to revisit the Noise Ordinance.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen convened for their regular session. Key agenda items included the approval of the docket of claims totaling $2,868,361.69. The consent agenda addressed several approvals, such as authorizing travel for staff to conferences, approving the Hernando High School Homecoming Parade route and time, extending a contract with Civil-Link for a bike lane project, approving street closure for the Rotary Club Brewfest, approving an instructor agreement for Little Kickers, and approving a proclamation for Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The board also addressed personnel matters, discussed football sponsorship opportunities, approved a 30-day extension for the Emergency Declaration related to county burn pit access, approved an engagement letter for the 2024 Municipal Compliance Questionnaire, and approved utility bill adjustments for customers with verified water leaks. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss potential litigation concerning an annexation issue with Southaven, after which the board voted not to contest the annexation.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved the agenda and docket of claims totaling $2,760,565.54. The consent agenda addressed approvals for various personnel training courses, renewal of Horizon IT coverage, acknowledgment of DeSoto County Stormwater Advisory Committee minutes, waiving permit fees for an administration vestibule project, and approving a service agreement for the "Cookies with Santa" event. The board also approved the personnel docket, including new hires and pay adjustments, and approved the Donations Docket. Key actions included accepting a 4% interest bid for the EWP Grant reimbursement anticipation loan not to exceed $682,523.50, and passing a resolution declaring September 22-26, 2025, as Stormwater Awareness Week. The board accepted and approved the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant funding for park lighting upgrades. Discussions were held regarding Opioid Settlement funds and a request to the DeSoto County Supervisors for ambulance funding. Following two separate votes, the board approved the 2025-2026 Budget, with modifications including the removal of a new Service Tech position in the Utility Department. The board also approved amending the Civic Center/Entergy Station annexation ordinance, scheduling a public hearing for October 7, 2025. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss potential litigation concerning Parks.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and a docket of claims totaling $1,958,680.40. The consent agenda approved several staff training and travel requests, and an Arbor Day Proclamation. The Board recognized the Hernando Middle School Girls Soccer Team and Coach for their championship season, and recognized Coach Cody Woodiel of the Miami Hurricanes. Dr. Barrett presented a utility fund study, leading to a motion to table utility fund rate discussions until the next meeting. The Board reported on the Mid-Winter Conference visit. Actions were taken regarding the approval of an additional Curb & Gutter CE&I Contract with Neel-Schaffer. Preliminary subdivision approvals were granted for Seymore Office Plaza and the Willimas Industrial Subdivision. The Comprehensive Plan was presented, followed by a public hearing, and ultimately adopted for 2025. Change Orders #1 and #2 for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program contract with W.G. Harrell Construction were approved, totaling $30,000.00 and $72,616.03 respectively. The Board authorized an appraisal of property easements for the Byhalia Rd. Water Main Project and approved adding two assessments to court fees. Utility adjustments were also approved. An Executive Session was held regarding contract negotiations with the water department, during which the Board adopted a DCRUA negotiated rate of $2/kgal fixed rate for the next four years.