Sherline D. Watkins

The Kemper County Board of Supervisors convened to address various departmental needs and infrastructural projects. Approvals were granted for the Sheriff's Department expenses, a sole-source vendor for cellular service, and an MOU with Newton County Sheriff's Office. Engineering pay requests for multiple road projects and a water line were approved, along with a contract modification for the Scooba water line. The board also approved an engineering contract for a gas line extension. Additionally, the board addressed road management issues, approved claims dockets and payroll, and authorized payment for Firetower Road. Approvals were given for the rental permit to the Kemper County Alumni Association, collection of Archives and History fees, travel for a grant seminar and Chancery Conference, and a resolution regarding solid waste account delinquency. The board also approved advertising for County resources for the Pat Harrison 4th of July show and authorized the architect to solicit bids for the Courthouse roof project.

The Board approved work on a dump truck, claims docket, payroll, membership dues to the Mississippi Association of County Administrators, and a tag for the Road and Bridge Department. They also approved raises for staff of Judge Bailey and Judge Wright, advertising resources to congratulate Kemper County graduates, and a check to Barry and Thagard Trust for Project X's Option of Property. Additionally, they approved the reappointment of Jimmy Spinks to the Wemms Community Health Center Board and Mr. Barry as Independent Council on a case filed in USDC. The Board also discussed economic development and a personnel issue in an executive session.

The Kemper County Board of Supervisors convened to discuss various matters. These included an address from the State Treasurer regarding public opportunities, an approved audit for the Sheriff's Department, and orders related to environmental releases and grant agreements for the Weyerhaeuser woodyard site. The board also directed the attorney to begin eminent domain proceedings for ROW acquisition and accepted a resignation and appointment. Additionally, they handled financial matters such as approving claims dockets, payroll, final payments for the Scooba Basketball Court, fund transfers, and payments related to Project X. They also addressed personnel matters, recognized a state holiday, accepted various ROW donations, approved advertising for County resources, and approved allowing bids for the Courthouse roof project.

The board discussed approving expenses and meal logs, promoting a correctional officer, and approving a quote for a new AC unit at the regional jail. They reviewed contractor and engineering invoices for road and water line projects, approved an engineering contract for environmental work, considered naming a bridge, and discussed crack sealing estimates. They also approved a copier lease, a quote for a Limb Buster, and the hiring of a new garbage employee. The board addressed claims dockets, payroll, and real and personal rolls, as well as hiring in the Tax Office, garbage delinquency acceptance, adjustments, software support, and travel for HR. They approved assessment rolls, a motor vehicle schedule, title checks for Project X, and a Local Cooperation Agreement. An executive session was held regarding personnel and economic development.

The Board of Supervisors (BoS) convened to address various departmental requests and financial matters. Approvals were granted for the Sheriff's Department to purchase a convection gas oven. The Road Manager's requests to run surplus items in the Kemper Messenger and to hire Sammy Bennamon and Lazel Coleman were approved, with hiring contingent upon background and drug tests. The Chancery Clerk's office received approval for the current claims docket, payroll, a payment to R&B Farms Co., a tag for the Sheriff's Dept, and attorney fees for a mental commitment. The County Administrator's office had the constable annual financial reports approved, along with a contract for a VIOP phone system and lawn care services. Payments were approved for road and waterline projects. The BoS also ratified actions taken since the April 7, 2025 meeting and entered an executive session to discuss economic development.