The Board of Supervisors voted Monday to increase the annual garbage fee from $48 per year to $60 per year. The increase, which averaged over a 12 month period, is increased by $1 per month; currently residents are paying $4 per month. Effective January 1, 2017, that rate will average out to $5 per month at a total yearly cost of $60.
Residents in neighboring counties pay higher rates in solid waste fees. Jasper County charges $144 per year for solid waste and Lauderdale County charges $100 plus 4 mills.
This is the first increase since before 2004 when the rates went from $36 per year to $48. This year the increase is due to state mandates that come down the line and budgetary needs fall on the local government.
The garbage fee must be paid annually in order to purchase new or renewal vehicle tags.
Lawrence Kirksey, president of the NAACP, met with the board to discuss some formal complaints from three people with allegations against the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department for alleged unethical behavior stating that homes and property are being searched without warrants. The sheriff was not present at the board meeting however Chief Deputy Barry White released the following statement on behalf of the CCSO via a phone interview with the Tribune: “In regards to the NAACP complaint, we are following the law in everything we do. We will continue our work to serve the people of this county in the best way we know how and that is by following the law.”
The supervisors advised Kirksey that the sheriff’s department is out of their jurisdiction and those issues needed to be addressed through the judicial system with the circuit judges and/or attorneys.
Kirksey also stated in a phone interview that the NAACP will continue to watch and observe the status of the inmates and accused to make sure they are being taken care of and not receiving any negative repercussions for filing complaints.
“We also will encourage the inmates and accused to adhere to all rules and regulations so they will not hinder the administration of the judiciary process,” Kirksey said.
In other business, the board approved Mike Williams as the agent for the county cafeteria plan and United Healthcare as the county insurance provider
• Advised Jeff Arrington, who was present on behalf of the Clarke County Riding Club, on the status of a proposed horse arena project. Board attorney stated they are still awaiting an opinion from the Attorney General’s office regarding the legality of allowing a private organization to use county property for the Arena.
• Approved Randy Harper as the School Resource Officer for the upcoming school year
• Approved two employees from Mapping and Appraisal to attend upcoming schools in Meridian hosted by Mississippi State University; approved two certification schools for two dispatchers in 911 Communications.
• Was advised by Tax Collector Hope Herrington, that due to state mandates, seven new computers will need to be purchased for the Tax Collector’s office to be in compliance with new state regulations. The cost of the seven computers will be purchased through an Interface Fund which is appropriations earmarked thru the collected motor vehicle registration fee. The approximate cost for each computer is $850 and will be purchased in the upcoming budget year.
All board meetings are open to the public and held the first and third Monday at 9 a.m. each month in the board room of the courthouse annex.
