The Jefferson Davis County Board of Supervisors met for the second meeting of the month Sept. 16 in Prentiss. Board President Michael Evans opened with prayer before the agenda was approved.

James Allison met with the board to discuss a Halloween fundraiser he has planned in October to raise funds for a new playground at the former Prentiss Lions Club Park. Plans are for Trunk-or-Treat beginning at noon on Oct. 26. Candy and monetary donations are now being accepted at Prentiss City Hall. If you would like to participate in the Trunk-or-Treat or volunteer your time, please call Allison at 601-307-7414.

A Friends of the Park committee has been formed and held its first fundraiser in July that raised $350 toward the initiative. The group plans to continue the revitalization project with the goal of providing a place where young and old can gather and enjoy outdoor activities.

Prentiss Mayor Charley Dumas gave an update of the park plans and the progress being made by the Town of Prentiss.

When the park was donated to the Town by the Lions Club, the playground equipment was not in good shape posed a potential for liability.

“We knew immediately we were going to have to take it down with the intention of going back with new equipment,” said Dumas. Until he discovered how expensive it would be. “It is terribly expensive,” he said.

Initial plans for new equipment are in the neighborhood of $80,000.

This includes taking advantage of one of the tennis courts as a foundation which alleviates the need for expensive clearing and dirt work.

“Certainly, these fundraisers are appreciated, and we want James to continue with that, but it will take years to get the amount of money we need,” said Dumas.  However, Dumas is hopeful there is a way to get it done.

Dumas met with a representative last month from Planet Recess who is currently in the process of creating a design for the new playground.

Plans are not just for new equipment, but also for repair of the benches and tables and the basketball court.

“People here are familiar with the old park, they grew up playing on that playground and there is a certain sentimentality about the old park,” said Dumas. “Even with the cost, we believe that we can make this happen,” he said.

“If there something we can do to help, we want to make it great, and we need to make it great,” said Board President Michael Evans. “All of us are a part of this,” he said.

Board accountant Cathy Slocum and attorney Wes Daughdrill gave monthly reports.

In other news, the board approved the following without opposition before adjourning:

•Approved minutes.

•Approved quote for abatement and remediation process at the Extension Office. $4750 rid issues Ryals.

•Approved change in quote for dozer at landfill.

•Approved spreading in the minutes existence of a local emergency.

•Approved closing of County offices afternoon of Sept.11 and morning of Sept. 12 due to Hurricane Francine.

•Approved Contract Change Order for County Wide Patching and Leveling for Districts 2 and 3.

•Approved appointment or re-appointment of Jefferson Davis Community Hospital Trustee Board Members for District 4.

•Approved acceptance of the 2023 Personal Property Insolvency List and spreading into the minutes; list turned over to Southern Finance for collection.

•Approved acceptance of the 2023 Mobile Homes Delinquent Tax List and spreading into the minutes; list turned over to Southern Finance for collection.

•Approved continuation of petty cash fund for Justice Court, $500.00 for FY2024.

•Approved order authorizing disbursement of budgeted funds until Sept. 30, 2025.

•Approved credit card report and payment.

•Approved payment of invoices to Jefferson Davis County School District 16th Section Contract $125.00 – 1 acre (District 1) $1,365.00 – 19 acres (Ballfield) $250.00 – 2.22 acres (District 2) Metropolitan Compounds – Sheriff Department $399.40 each for 2 separate invoices (should have been on one invoice)

•Approved employees attending meetings and conventions.

•Approved employing county employees until Sept. 30, 2025.

•Approved spreading into the minutes Employee Action Forms for Circuit Clerk, Sheriff, District 5 and Department of Human Services.

•Approved spreading into the minutes request from Judge Touchstone for Staff Attorney pay raise.

•Approved spreading into the minutes and placing in The Prentiss Headlight travel expenses for the Board of Supervisors for FY24.

•Approved spreading into the minutes the meal log and housing of prisoners for July 2023, August 2023, September 2023 and October 2023.

•Approved destruction of records for Board of Supervisors and Chancery Clerk.

•Approved claims.