The Jefferson Davis County Board of Supervisors is moving forward with the building of the new detention center in Prentiss. “We decided to move forward with the process and are in the beginning phases now,” said Board President Bobby Rushing. David Marsh of Benchmark Construction Corporation of Jackson will guide them through the process.

The center will cost roughly $6.8 million dollars to build and will be a lease purchase transaction that will involve the need of additional tax revenue. The Board plans to reallocate tax millage, as well as, raise the millage to offset the cost. According to the Board, the millage increases will be small. For example, if you have a $100,000 home, it will cost $1 a month and increase to $4.60 a month over a five-year period. The millage increase will begin in 2023.

“This new center absolutely necessary,” said District 1 Supervisor Corky Holliman.

The Board began making plans for the new detention center in Prentiss in September 2021.

The site for the new center will be in Prentiss across just south of the Highway 13 and Highway 84 interchange at the frontage road.  Initial plans are for a 52-bed center with separate areas for females and males that will also include offices for the sheriff and staff. This property is already owned by the county and according to the supervisors, is a flat area that will only need minimal preparation. The board is hopeful it will be complete in 2023.

“Our biggest concern is the safety and security of the community,” said Rushing.

 

After an executive session meeting, the board approved the following without opposition:

 

Approved minutes.

Approved board president signing the  Emergency Management Performance Grant Program application and the order form from OnSolve, LLC for CodeRed weather warning renewal.

Approved reimbursement on tax sale.

Approved spare garbage truck repair.

Approved purchase of tractor on state contract from Crain District 4.

Discussion of plastic culvert bid.

Approved employee action forms in Districts 3 & 4.

Approved employees attending meetings and conventions.

Approved reimbursement of insurance premium payments to employees.

Approved deposit of premium overpayment from Leaders Life.

Approved revising board order from Dec. 20, advertising county resources with The Prentiss Headlight.

Approved transfer from general county to chancery.

Approved mileage reimbursement rate of $0.585 for 2022.

Discussion of purchase of COVID rapid test for county employees.

Discussion of MS Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Recreational Trails Program.

Approved to begin the process of abandoning K. C. Trail in District 4.

Approved claims.

The mask mandate for all county buildings continues and county buildings will also be sprayed and sanitized once a month until further notice.