The Jefferson Davis County Board of Supervisors met for the first October meeting Monday morning at the board room in Prentiss. Rev. Jessie Holloway opened with prayer before the board adopted the agenda.

First order of business was to extend the countywide burn ban, which the board did unanimously. It is extended until the next meeting, Oct. 18.

County engineer Les Dungan reported that he was fixing to apply for the second round of grant funding for the courthouse roof repair. He also reported that the state sent a notice that several bridges in the county had signs that needed replacing, or raising.

JDC Superintendent Ike Haynes and the board once again discussed the draining issues at the high school. Water does not drain in the area of the new field house. Dungan says there are two options for repair, and he will survey the area and create a plan to send to contractors for pricing. Haynes also requested assistance from the board in cleaning and developing a portion of school-owned land behind the gym to be used to alleviate the parking issues the school faces.

Vocational Rehabilitation Director for the Blind Dorothy Young requested the board’s approval to begin working with the JDC Sheriff’s Department on a contract regarding the vending machines and video kiosks that are to be put into the new jail. These additions will be paid for by the Department of Vocational Rehab.

Prentiss Assistant Fire Chief Michael Davis and the board continued discussions regarding one central dispatch for Jefferson Davis County and the Town of Prentiss. The 911 county dispatch already runs tags and dispatches 80 percent of fire and emergency calls for the town. Having a central dispatch would alleviate steps for 911 dispatchers and would have all first responders on the same frequency.

Having a central dispatch would also increase the entire county’s fire rating according to Prentiss Fire Chief Wayne Bass. No agreement was made regarding the central dispatch.

JDC Election Commissioners requested having two workers to bring the boxes from the precinct to the courthouse after the election. JDC Board Daughdrill is looking into the legalities and if it is possible to employ two.

Gary Bass gave the board an economic development update.

In other business, the board approved the following without opposition before entering into executive session and adjourning:

• Approved minutes.

• Approved school bus turnaround District 3 35 Marcelle Lane.

• Approved request from PRVO for turnaround at 67 Barnes Avenue.

• Approved quote for equipping 2023 Dodge Charger with lights, siren, cage and graphics quotes awarded to Southern Connection..

• Approved spreading inventory report on the minutes.

• Approved deleting from inventory Asset No. 1893, printer from purchasing.

• Approved transfer of funds from general county account to designated account for Broome Road for 100,000.

• Approved payment of invoices for Sam Graham Bridge Project to Magco, Inc. for  $221,368.86 and Dungan Engineering for $21,530.07.

• Approved $250 advertising with MS State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs Inc. State Convention. 

• Approved employees attending meetings and conventions.

• Approved Employee Action Form – District 3

• Approved observing Veterans Day, Friday, November 10

• Approved first quarter appropriations for Sheriff for $280,750, Custody of Prisoners for $675,000 and Tax Assessor for $90,000.

• Approved claims.