During the Jones County Board of Supervisors meeting Monday morning, November 2, the Supervisors voted to declare an emergency purchase of repairs for a bridge in Beat Three on Ovett-Moselle Road in Ovett. County Engineer Wiley Pickering explained how with the recent heavy rains in the area, erosion under the bridge is taking place at a rapid pace. The bridge is on the main thoroughfare, and traffic is being diverted. By declaring the project an emergency purchase, the repairs can be expedited quicker.
The supervisors will call a special meeting to accept bids on the work to be done.
With the project to replace the two bridges on Sharon-Moss Road, the board had approved spending up to $50,000 to reroute the waterlines belonging to the water association that presently run along the bridges’ side. Pickering said the scope of the job has changed and gotten more significant due to the requirements of the pipeline companies where the waterlines are being rerouted. The project’s estimated cost is now $88,000. The supervisors voted to approve the increase with the extra $38,000 coming out of the Beat One road fund.
Addressing COVID-19, the supervisors voted to keep the mask mandate in place, and the community centers closed through the end of November.
In other business, the supervisors acknowledged receipt of the Pat Harrison Waterway audit report. According to CFO Charles Miller, the Jones County Board of Supervisors is one of Mississippi’s largest financial contributors to the organization.
The supervisors voted to keep Charles Ray Ashley on the JCJC Board of Trustees representing Beat Two, and Arthur Siggers will remain on the PRVO Board.
Sheriff Joe Berlin presented the board with documents containing a Homeland Security Grant Program Award Letter and Grant Recipient Agreement for the $8,400 grant received.
“We certainly appreciate what Lance (Chancellor) does to help the Sheriff’s Department and others receive grants,” said Johnny Burnette, board president.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 16, 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.