The Board of Supervisors approved going into an agreement with Cane Creek Solar, LLC, to build a solar panel farm on Hwy. 11 South of Pachuta. Board Attorney Greg Snowden advised that the county approved an agreement in an executive session.
“A ballpark figure, after the project is completed, this will be new money coming into the county; estimate for first year $400,000-450,000 (tax money) each year for 10 years between the schools and county general funds. After the 10 years, it will be taxed at the full rate, estimated to be over $1 million dollars,” stated Board Attorney Greg Snowden.
Board President Paul Mosley added that construction will take about 10-12 months and will employee 250-300 people during that time. After construction it will be about five jobs. According to Snowden, they want local businesses and contractors to be involved and to bid on projects when the time comes. There is a lot of planning and permits before construction will begin next year.
In other business, county employee Ellen Allen brought concerns to the board about the employee insurance. She stated that the deductible for the United Health Care insurance provided by the county is $2500, and out of pocket expenses are $6000.
“I had some issues getting a colonoscopy set up,” said Allen. “It’s beginning to be a problem to set up appointments to get things done. I called Mike Williams and told him it makes no sense we pay this much money for our insurance and can’t use it. We as employees are having a hard time with the insurance. This is health procedures that should be covered by Healthy You. A $2500 deductible and $6000 out of pocket is extremely high. I wanted to bring it to your attention to see if anything better can be found.”
The supervisors will take this under advisement and will look at this in October when it’s time to renew the insurance with Clarke County Insurance Mike Williams.
Paul Shirley with the landfill talked to Napp’s Trailer Park owners about not being able to come on property anymore to pick up garbage. The residents will have to bring the garbage to the road to be picked up, or either the owner of the land will have to turn the road over to the county. It is state law that the garbage truck cannot go onto private property. Paul also requested to advertise for garbage hoppers. The landfill is desperately looking for employees to help pick up garbage.
Allen Worthy was honored in the June 21 Board of Supervisor’s meeting for his retirement from Weem’s Mental Health. Allen provided stability and health to the underserved and those in crisis. He provided a stable mental health environment for Clarke County for 25 years as the county supervisor for Weem’s Mental Health. “I enjoyed my 25-year career at Weem’s helping others. I believe that this was what I was designed to do, and I won’t forget Clarke County. I’ve felt welcome and love everybody.”
Daphne Fortner, supervisor/therapist from the Meridian office will take his place.
Leanne Volking opened bids for the sale of scrap metal at landfill and county barn: one sealed bid was submitted - L&D Trucking and Scrap of Laurel, MS, $8.51 per 100 pounds. Bid was approved.
John Lewis, county engineer opened bids for microsurfacing for 2021 term: Vance Bros. - $292,515.08 won the bid over TL Wallace - $408,030.64.
EMA Director Eddie Ivy submitted his letter of retirement to the Board of Supervisors effective June 30, 2021.
June 7, 2021 meeting
Jonathan Cranford, a In the June 7 meeting, Jonathan Cranford, a resident of Elwood Community, approached the board about the closing of County Road 127 on May 15 for a graduation party. He complained about the road closing for a private party. It hindered him getting to his chicken houses in a timely manner.
“What I do (chicken houses and cattle), that hindered me,” stated Cranford. “I’m on call 24/7. Closing that road, I’ve got $2.5 million invested in that place, and to be told I can’t use a road that my tax dollars pay for, that I’ve got to go three miles out of the way, that didn’t set well with me. We have Archusa, Clarkco and other means for a private party than to shut down a public road.”
Supervisor Darrick Marshall told Cranford they went through standard procedures for closing the road. “As far as people complaining, we have people complaining about the smell of your chicken houses, but I didn’t come to you. We have complaints too, but we don’t bring it to the individuals. The board went through the proper procedures. We only had the road shut down for six hours. I do understand your complaint, and I’m sorry, but those people have a right to come here just like you do.”
In other matters, the board approved:
• Jackie Matthews to attend the summer conference
• Sally Wedgeworth to attend the summer conference July 21-23
• the hiring of Steve Whitaker as correctional officer at the Clarke County Jail.
• Christy King to attend District Horse Show June 10-11 in Gulfport
• to pay the claim of $1023.50 and two claims of $10,000 on lawsuits filed against the county in executive session.
Mickey Long utilized $2500 of his discretionary money to Creature comforts Animal Shelter to help them through the end of the year.
