Board approves emergency water projects

Published 9:44 am Thursday, July 31, 2025

The Jefferson Davis County Board of Supervisors met for the second meeting of the month July 21 at 9 a.m. at the board room in Prentiss.

After prayer was offered by Board President Michael Evans, the board approved the agenda.

Administrative services proposals for the HOME program were opened after the agenda was approved.

Andrew Smith was approved as administrator for the HOME Program.

The county had to select a new administrator for the HOME Program in the wake of the death of former administrator Dr. James Smith.

Na’chel Shannon with South MS Regional Library presented her budget to the board.

Jefferson Davis County Economic Development Director Gary Bass informed the board he was applying for grants from the MDA for the due diligence on the new business park acreage.

Bass plans to utilize the Ezra Garner building for the Sales on 84 event this fall.

He also has a meeting scheduled with Mississippi Power about the Propels Program and a possible grant for Bassfield.

Jocelyn Ragsdale reported that FEMA will have an Applicant Service Center at the Granby Volunteer Fire Department July 31 and Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. to service March storm applicants that are already registered. It will not be for new registration since the deadline has passed.

County engineer Les Dungan discussed emergency water projects for Alex Daley Road, Harper Road and Raynes Road. The board approved the board president signing the agreement.

The JDC Election Commissioners informed the board of Senate Bill 2657 that passed this year which would allow election commissioners to be paid an additional $35 for their work on election day. The board approved the increase.

Board attorney Wes Daughdrill and accountant Cathy Slocum gave end of the month reports.

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

• Approved minutes.

• Approved Board President Computer Software Support Agreement and Addendum with Delta Computer systems with a monthly increase of $234.00.

• Approved spreading into the minutes the License/Use Agreement between FEMA, Department of Homeland Security and JDC for the use of Granby Fire Department.

• Approved Board President signing acknowledgement of pay increases for Judge Lumpkin’s staff attorney and court administrator.

• Approved spreading into the minutes Employee Action Forms for the Sheriff’s Department and  District 1.

• Approved employees attending meetings and conventions.

• Approved removing from inventory asset numbers 1499, 1500 and 1501, all Lexmark printers, for the JDC Tax Assessor.

• Approved advertising county resources at the JDC Forestry Banquet for $150.00.

• Approved payment of invoice to Fisher Brown Bottrell for $5,500.00 for aviation policy.

• Approved credit card report and payment of the same.

• Approved Fuelman report and payment of the same.

• Approved use of credit card for District 3 at Enterprise Car Rental and  Tractor Supply.

• Approved purchase of air conditioner unit at the Superintendent of Education office due to smoke damage on July 8.

• Approved claims.

The Jefferson Davis County School District has had a suc¬cessful start of the new school year. Students reported to class July 18.

“Students, staff and families came together to mark the begin¬ning of what promises to be an exceptional year of learning and growth,” said JDC Superinten¬dent Ike Haynes.

Faculty and staff felt the en¬ergy and enthusiasm on the first day set a positive tone for the en¬tire school year.

“We are committed to build¬ing on this momentum and mak¬ing this year even better than the last,” said Haynes.

The district is dedicated to strengthening family and com¬munity relationships, recogniz¬ing that working together is the key to student success.

“We are all in this together. By working closely with fami¬lies and community members, we can create a supportive and enriching environment for our students,” Haynes said.

Thus the JDC motto for this academic year is, “We are all in.”

“This motto reflects our col¬lective commitment to excel¬lence, collaboration and the success of every student,” said Haynes.

The district has implemented comprehensive safety measures and protocols to provide a se¬cure learning environment as the safety of students and staff remains a top priority.

“Our commitment to safety is unwavering,” said JDCSD Chief of Police, Anthony Sims.

“We are constantly striving to enhance our procedures and en¬sure that everyone in our schools feels safe and protected,” he said.

l director,” she said.

Evans is an incoming freshman at the University of Mississippi and will major in Pre-Law and Journalism.