Lure Dean Berry

The regular meeting included the approval of claims totaling substantial amounts for various entities, including Netlink Voice, Hall-France Consulting LLC, and others related to the Raymond Detention Center operations. Key agenda items involved the approval of several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) concerning School Resource Officers with the Hinds County School District and officer deputization with the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The Board accepted and moved forward with FY 2026 DUI and Occupant Protection Grant Agreements, and approved submitting forms for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. Significant public works actions included allocating $100,000 in Use Tax funds for roads and bridges in each of the five districts, approving milling, paving, and striping projects for several streets in District 3, and authorizing contract work for grass maintenance and debris removal with Xquisite Lawn Care. The Board also approved bids and contracts for road culverts and a bridge repair, approved the extension of the emergency declaration for the EOC Rental Chiller, and addressed various Chancery Clerk matters such as tax sale cancellations and assessment changes. In finance, several FY 2026 Funding Agreements with external agencies were approved, including large allocations to the Mental Health Commission and the Jackson/Hinds Library System. The Board also approved a salary increase for County Court Reporters to $75,000 per year, effective October 1, 2025. Furthermore, resolutions concerning Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the Fondren Development Project and the Prado Lofts at Meadowbrook Project were approved, setting public hearings for November 3, 2025. The meeting concluded with a discussion in Executive Session regarding litigation, security personnel, and business expansion, followed by returning to open session to approve the Renewed and Extended Emergency Declaration for the Raymond Detention Center.

The Board meeting addressed several administrative and operational items. Claims were reviewed and approved, including special claims for Allen & Hoshall ($25,505.00 for engineering services on HUD Beautification projects) and Skyline Innovations ($30,879.23 for services on the HUD Beautification Edwards project). Elected officials presented monthly reports, and approvals were granted for hiring a Law Clerk and a Court Reporter for the Hinds County Circuit Court. The Sheriff addressed concerns regarding the FY 2026 Budget. Public Works detailed updates on roads and bridges, including the approval of resurfacing projects for Joanna Drive, Ivanhoe Avenue, Kimball Avenue, and Sunset Drive, all to be paid from Use Tax funds. Further Public Works actions included approving the low bid and contract execution with N.L. Carson Construction for the Jimmy Williams Road Bridge Project, approving several bridge inspections, and approving advertisement for bids for multiple other bridge projects. The Board approved amendments to the Public Works Hiring Policy to allow for part-time hiring and approved hiring four part-time positions using two full-time PINs. The Chancery Clerk secured approval to open new bank accounts for State Fire Insurance Rebate funds and Reserve Funds, and approved a Sixteenth Section Lease with the Hinds County Board of Education and the City of Byram. Approvals were also granted for changes to assessment rolls, supplemental roll homestead exemptions, and submission of an application for the MDEQ Solid Waste Assistance Grant ($25,763.00). The Board approved contracts for Udemy business licenses, a Change Order from Avaap, and the Cisco SmartNet Renewal. The Board Attorney received authorization to approve agreements concerning road use and bridge improvement contributions. The Board entered Executive Session to discuss security personnel matters before returning to Open Session and subsequently approved a contract for Correctional Facility Healthcare Services and authorized the Board Attorney to contact municipalities regarding payment for pretrial detainees.

The Special Meeting agenda included an update from the District Attorney regarding the ongoing repair issues in the Circuit Court fourth floor, noting that roof repairs are complete but internal damage remains. Discussions covered the upcoming consideration of the Prado Lofts TIF project, which is a significant mixed-use development expected to create jobs. Public Works provided updates on projects under construction, noting that watershed projects are on hold due to a Federal Government shutdown. A construction update on the new detention center indicated it is 58% complete with a projected Fall 2026 completion. Updates were also provided for roads and bridges in Districts 3 and 4, including the need for a hydraulic assessment for a bridge on Lindsey. Maintenance reported on the Raymond Courthouse Annex Building, pending carpet replacement quotes. Emergency Management discussed the EOC Chiller replacement, with a recommendation to accept Upchurch's bid due to warranty coverage, and the submission of the EMS Grant application requiring Presidential signature. Permit and Zoning presented upcoming Variance Use Permit requests for the Zoning Board. Budget and Finance reviewed budget amendments scheduled for a later date, and term bids for detainee food, Public Works, and Central Repair were discussed, with plans to advertise for bids soon. The Board Attorney provided an update on resolved funding agreements for the Jimmy Williams Road Bridges. The Board convened into Executive Session to discuss litigation/potential litigation, security personnel, and expansion of business matters, before returning to Open Session with no action taken in Executive Session.

The meeting included discussions and resolutions on various topics, such as approving claims, service pins for employees, and the purchase of National Night Out shirts. The board also addressed appointments, including the ratification of Rod Hill as Interim Public Works Director, and approved raising fines for illegal dumping. Other key items included approving the paving of the Raymond Courthouse parking lot, advertising for bids for the Hinds Parkway Lighting Project, and approving the purchase of surveillance cameras. The relocation of Precinct 63 and the cancellation of a contract for 911 Markers were also discussed. Additionally, the board approved participation in Opioid Secondary Manufacturers' Settlements, the opening of a bank account for 2025 General Obligation Note funds, and pauper burials. They also approved an amendment to the Flood Drainage Prevention Ordinance, budget amendments, and applying for Opioid Settlement Funds. The board addressed contract matters, including a maintenance agreement for surveillance cameras and a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Jackson, and denied Free Port Warehouse Licenses for several entities. They also approved Final Orders granting ad valorem tax exemptions for Metal Processors, Inc. and Saks Incorporated and Saks Fifth Avenue. The board entered an executive session to discuss litigation, security personnel, and the expansion of a business.

The Board addressed several claims, including special claims for court-appointed monitoring and legal representation. They also reviewed and approved regular claims from the Hinds County Treasury. The board approved an order appointing a Deputy Court Administrator and discussed monthly expenditure reports from the Tax Assessor and Sheriff's Department. Public Works projects were reviewed, including chip sealing North Davis Road. The board approved the relocation of Precincts 59 and 57 and discussed environmental engineering services for wood debris mulching. They also approved increased costs for a brush cutter and the purchase of limestone for filling potholes. Additionally, the board addressed tax sale cancellations, assessment changes, and free port warehouse licenses. Employee benefits, including medical, life, dental, and vision insurance renewals, were approved. The board also discussed advertisements for bids for the HUD Beautification project in Bolton and contracts for GPS monitoring services. An executive session was held to discuss litigation, security personnel, and business expansion.