Ken Featherstone

The agenda for the meeting included several key discussion points. The board was scheduled to address citizen concerns regarding loitering on Curtis Street and disturbances on Percy Street. Significant items involved a Memorandum of Understanding for the Delta Task Force, a presentation by the Boys and Girls Club, and a presentation regarding options for upgrading or repairing the Citywide Timekeeping System. The agenda also listed a re-evaluation of contracts for professional services with Brown and Associates, Inc., and approval for reappointment/appointment of Personnel Board Committee Members. Further discussions included the monthly project status report and payment requests from Gardner Engineering for Water System Improvements, approval of a proposal for professional accounting and bookkeeping services from Bridgers, Goodman, Baird & Clark, PLLC, and a discussion on the progress of the FY 2020 Audit. Several agenda items requested approval to execute and submit documentation related to the Mississippi Home Corporation Homeowner Rehabilitation Program Grant. Department head reports, travel/training requests, and approval of a Claims Docket were also scheduled.

The agenda for the regular board meeting included a bid opening for the Adair Avenue Water Main Replacement project. Discussions covered approval of payment requests to the contractor and engineering firm for current projects, repair of a pothole on East Percy Street, and consideration of tabled items. Tabled items included options for upgrading or repairing the citywide timekeeping system, a proposal to reclassify city workers from 1099 contractors to W-2 employees, and a discussion regarding the Rural Fire Protection Agreement between Sunflower County and the Indianola Fire Department. The consent agenda involved department head reports, approval of several travel and training requests for city personnel, and approval to advertise for a Code Enforcement/Solid Waste Enforcement Officer position. Additionally, the Board planned to review the January budget and cash reports, approve postage for water bill cards, approve the claims docket, and discuss aldermen salaries and community support for winter weather recovery efforts, followed by executive and closed sessions.

The General Ledger Proposed Budget for FY2026 includes various funds and departments. It covers assets, liabilities, revenues, personal services, contractual services, consumable supplies, grants, subsidies, debt service, and capital outlay. Specific departments include General Use, Legislative, Judicial, Executive, Airport, Historical Preservation, Elections, Financial Administration, Tax Administration, Independent Audit, City Attorney, Data Processing, General Government Building, Workers Comp/Unemployment, Community Promo/Public Relations, Police Administration, Criminal Investigation, Patrol, Records & Identification, Custody of Prisoners, Police Station, Fire Administration, Fire Fighting, Fire Communications, Inspections, Public Works Administration, Streets, Street Lighting, Sidewalks, Street Cleaning, Urban Forestry, Community Garden, Bayou - Aerators, Safe Route School Oak St Side, Rabies & Animal Control, Cemetery, Sunflower County Library, Parks/Recreation Administration, Playgrounds, Swimming, Tennis, Bethune Center, Scout Hut, Playground Bethune Center, Park Area, Downtown Green Space Park, Park Lighting, and Economic Development.