Shane Ellis

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.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the Docket of Claims for payment and various consent agenda items. The consent agenda approvals covered travel and registration expenses for city personnel, temporary street closures for community events such as the A'Fair and Dickens of a Christmas, authorization for Tractor Supply to conduct water system improvements at no cost to the city, and approval for officials to attend the DeSoto County Economic Council Capitol Day. Further actions included an approval to apply for grants from the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area Alliance and the Mississippi Arts Commission to support the Dickens of a Christmas event and other city projects. The board also approved a proclamation recognizing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Week, authorized funding requests through the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), and recommended approval of MP Design Group for CDBG Architecture Services. Finally, utility adjustments were approved before the meeting adjourned.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. The agenda was approved, followed by the approval of the docket of claims and the minutes from the January 6, 2026 regular meeting. Key business included the approval of the consent agenda and the personnel docket, as well as the acceptance of the donations docket. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the Hernando Middle School girls soccer team for their 2025 district championship and 12-0 season record. Additionally, Dr. Jason Barrett from Mississippi State University presented findings from a utility fund study, analyzing customer usage, revenue distribution across residential and commercial categories, and rate structure effectiveness, including observations about the effective rate charged to low-end users compared to high-end users.

The board meeting included approval of the agenda and the docket of claims. Minutes from the regular meeting of January 20th and the special meeting of January 23rd, 2026, were considered for approval. Key discussions focused on approving the consent agenda and personnel docket. Under grants, the board approved applying for a 100% funded firehouse grant for a new tornado siren program. Approval was also granted for a Motorola contract extension for police department body cameras to lock in current pricing for future hardware upgrades. The assignment of an officer to the US Marshals Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force was approved. Finally, the board extensively discussed the necessary adoption of new utility rates for garbage collection, sanitation, and extra cans to address a current deficit where charges to customers were lower than the contracted cost from Waste Connections. The final recommendation was to increase the monthly garbage rate to $28 and the extra can fee to $1. Due to funding uncertainty for the LEO grant program concerning dispatch console upgrades, that item was tabled pending a finance committee review of funding sources, potentially utilizing the contingency fund or budget amendments.

This Comprehensive City Plan for Hernando, Mississippi, adopted on January 20, 2026, serves as a roadmap to guide the city's development through 2045 and beyond. Building on previous planning efforts, it outlines a vision for future growth based on key principles such as preserving open space, fostering walkable neighborhoods, promoting diverse housing, expanding recreational amenities, and ensuring equitable policies. The plan focuses on strategic elements including configuring growth through Place Types (Natural, Rural, Suburban, Urban, and Special Districts), enhancing the future mobility network, optimizing utilities and facilities, improving community design, protecting natural and cultural resources, and addressing housing and economic development.