The Jones County Board of Supervisors voted to extend the county mask mandate and the community centers closure to the first board meeting in 2021, January 4, at their monthly meeting Monday, November 16. Due to the Coronavirus, District 3 Supervisor Phil Dickerson joined the meeting from his house via phone.
After discussing the county policy on tree debris removal and disposal and charging a possible fee for that service, the board asked Board Attorney Danielle Ashley to create a policy draft by the next board meeting to include no tree or building material removal by the county. According to several supervisors, the county does not have the proper equipment, funds, or personnel to offer that service. Once the board approves the policy’s wording, the board plans to advertise the policy in the local newspapers.
The board voted to accept the request to obtain six months to a year term bids on bituminous material, culverts, slurry seal, and striping.
The board voted to approve the monetary sponsorship of several organizations and events, including Laurel Main Street’s Downtown Countdown, Laurel Lions Club, and the Boy Scouts of America Pine Belt Area Council, to name a few, totaling close to $10,000.
The Garbage Department reported to the board that they plan to add the option of paying the garbage pickup fee online. Customers will be charged a fee to pay online, which is determined by the credit card processing company and can consist of one to three percent. The board asked the garbage department to search for the best percentage offer available to provide the service.
The board approved $3,000 in drug buy money for the Sheriff’s Department and agreed to a sole source letter for Vetted Security Solutions to purchase license plate recognition software for the Sheriff’s Department Intervention Team.
The board went into two separate executive sessions. The first was to hear from EDA President and CEO Ross Tucker explain PG Technology’s request to amend their memorandum of understanding with the State of Mississippi, City of Ellisville, and Jones County regarding creating 250 jobs by December 2020. Due to COVID-19, the manufacturer cannot meet that goal and has asked to be granted an extension until 2024.
The second executive session was in regards to a personnel matter. After a lengthy discussion, the board voted to place the individual on six months probation.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 7, at 9:30 a.m. at the Laurel Courthouse. Each meeting of the Board of Supervisors on even-numbered months and all third Monday meetings are held at the Laurel Courthouse. The first meeting on odd-numbered months is held at the Ellisville Courthouse.