During the regular monthly meeting of the Jones County Board of Supervisors Monday, September 21, the Supervisors voted unanimously to borrow the approximately $4 million owed contractors for the debris clean-up from the tornadoes that ravaged parts of Jones County in two separate incidents in April. The Supervisors have been waiting to receive funds from FEMA and MEMA to help pay the invoices for debris clean-up.
According to Jones County Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Paul Sheffield, it could be another three to four months before the funds are received.
A discussion among the Supervisors included the plausibility of paying the invoices with presently available funds. Board CFO Charles Miller said funds were available, but it would make money “tight” until the FEMA and MEMA funds are received. Miller suggested the contractors be paid the first of October, which is the start of a new physical year. He added that approximately $1 Million from the CARES Act is expected to arrive before the end of September.
“If you don’t borrow the money and we pay the contractors, it’s going to be very tight between now and Christmas time,” stated Miller. He added, “It’s a good thing that we are in such a good financial position. Because, if we weren’t, we couldn’t even think about paying these contractors without borrowing this money.”
The Supervisors voted unanimously to borrow the money to pay the contractors. They will now advertise for three consecutive weeks for financial institutes to bid on issuing the loan to Jones County and choose the best rate offered.
Jones County Circuit Clerk Concetta Brooks asked the Supervisors to approve setting up an additional ballot distribution station outside her office to better accommodate citizens wishing to vote absentee. The station is equipped with a COVID-19 safe distance acrylic partition. She also requested the Supervisors approve having one door open at the South entrance to the courthouse for voters only to enter.
All courthouse entrances, except the North entrance, have been closed to monitor those entering the courthouse by taking their temperature. The Supervisors approved both requests.
A lengthy discussion was had on Judge Dal Williamson’s request for the Supervisors to approve the removal of a couple of trees, located next to the Courthouse building, that have roots growing under the historic building, and limbs damaging the side of the building. The tree roots have also caused damage to the sidewalks that have needed repair for several years. Williamson has suggested that most of the work could be done by community service workers.
CAO and Board Attorney Danielle Ashley said the Department of Archives must approve the removal of the trees. The Department of Archives asked that the Supervisors fill out a Notice of Intent form outlining their plans for removal and restoration of the site. The Supervisors voted to move forward with the project and notify the Department of Archives of the intent to cut the trees down, repair the sidewalks, and look at any grants that might help fund the project.
The Supervisors approved advertising for bids to complete Phase II of the Ellisville Courthouse Project. A grant was received from the Department of Archives and History to do specific work at the courthouse. Phase I of the project was completed last year, and it consisted of the replacement of the roof. Phase II of the project is masonry repair of the exterior of the courthouse.
Jones County Sheriff Joe Berlin presented a quote form Axon Taser to purchase new Tasers for the department and asked the Supervisors to amend his budget to cover the cost of the Tasers. The cost of the Taser purchase is $14,400 per year for approximately five years before the Tasers would need updating.
The Supervisors voted to accept two grants awarded by the Mississippi Department of Health – Office Against Interpersonal Violence. The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant are federal grants that help fund salaries for Crime Victim Advocate officers at the Sheriff’s department.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 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.