Samantha Chisholm

The board meeting involved coming out of executive session with no action taken. The board added three items to the agenda related to the acquisition of real property for a road project, specifically concerning parcels owned by Meridian Speedway and Setco Holdings. For these parcels, the board authorized the board president to execute and provide offers of just compensation to the right-of-way acquisition agent. The meeting concluded with a motion to recess until a later date.

The board meeting focused on acknowledging state and federal officials for their support during the 2026 legislative session, specifically concerning funding for bridge construction at Highway 18 in Greenfield and other transportation initiatives. Discussion topics included updates on the bridge project, federal assistance for connector loop and stormwater management, and Highway 25 infrastructure improvements. The board addressed various administrative tasks, including tax statement voids, real and personal property assessment adjustments, and approval to apply for a regional grant for a new mobile command vehicle for fire and emergency services.

The board meeting primarily focused on public comments regarding the proposed AI data center in Rankin County, with citizens expressing concerns about potential noise pollution, water quality, and the impact of tax incentives. The board addressed these concerns and clarified the scope of its involvement. Additionally, the board approved old business, a consent agenda, and tax assessment adjustments, and heard a request for a change order related to the Gunnar Road improvements phase three project.

The board meeting opened with a prayer followed by a motion to move into executive session. The board cited Mississippi Code Annotated Section 25-41-7, subparagraphs G and J, as the legal bases for the closed session discussion.

The meeting included the presentation of scholarship awards, setting dates for future public hearings, and addressing several nuisance property issues. Bids for semiannual asphalt projects were opened and reviewed. Additionally, there was a public hearing regarding a construction project in the Castlewood subdivision which was tabled to allow for further engineering analysis.