Last Supervisor's Meeting of 2011

The Winston County Board of Supervisors dealt with multiple issues as they closed out 2011. It was also a time to say goodbye to some longtime officials and to welcome new officeholders. Longtime Board President Jerry Estes took the opportunity to thank his fellow officials and to wish his best to those newly elected. Other board members also thanked outgoing officials that were present such as Tax Assessor Brenda Miles and Chancery Clerk Pam Reel for their work and dedication to the county. New county officials will be sworn into office on December 29 at 9 am in the Courthouse in a public event.

Highlights of the Board Meeting follow. Full minutes of the Dec 19th meeting will be available in the Chancery Clerk's Office when approved.

• Heard from James Davis, owner of Red Hills Winery concerning the lease and utility costs at the current county location on Old Robinson Rd. The Board tabled any decision upon lease changes until further information is discerned. Supervisor Peterson indicated that "we must come up with some fair amount of rental and utilities-we don't need to be out any money subsidizing your business."
• Received and approved a bid from Renasant Insurance to continue the County's liability coverage. Steve Roberts and Roland Byrd of Renasant presented a contract renewal with Trident at no increase from the previous year. Board Attorney Hugh Hathorn questioned the high deductible on law enforcement claims and the Board agreed to review the auto and equipment schedules upon acceptance of the agreement.
• Handled a tax issue with property owner Thomas Shinn and Tax Assessor Brenda Miles concerning the Tallehaga Watershed assessment.
• Approved days off for some county employees at their request.
• Approved a traffic sign maintenance program for the county
• Approved a military tax exemption for Gary Hickman after determining that he met all the requirements.
• Approved P.O.'s from acting Sheriff David Edwards to allow a company to reprogram handheld and mobile radios to meet new state/federal requirements. Edwards indicated the cost would be around $800. Edwards also requested funds for tires and repair to Sheriff Office vehicles.
• Board Attorney indicated that all department heads should have all contracts available for review by the new Board in January.
• Supervisor Peterson provided information on lease negotiations with Teeters for the old Spartus building. After review, the board approved a 3 year lease with options to renew for two additional 3 year terms with a 2 cent/yr per square foot increase each year.
• Approved P.O.'s for the Circuit Clerk, Tax Assessor's Office and the Sheriff's Office for multiple items including new stationary.
• Opened bids for the County Depository from BanCorpSouth and Renasant. After review, the Board approved the bid from Renasant due to no fees for most services and a higher interest rate.
• Opened and accepted a single bid for a used Ford tractor from District 3 in the amount of $3575.
• Opened bids for a Home Project for Bernice Hopkins in District 4. The original high bidder pulled out due to illness and the project was re-bid. Four bids were received and the Board approved the low bid of $81,500 from Gladney Construction upon a release from the previous original bidder.
• Heard from a citizen concerning  a school bus turnaround off of Union Chapel Rd. It was determined the turnaround would actual be on private property and that the Board had no authority to approve this.
• Received the close out package for the Bond Water Project from Phylis Benson of Golden Triangle Planning & Development
• Also dealt with matching grant requirements related to repair of the sprinkler system at the Teeters building and authorized Board President Estes to sign the grant request if it was completed prior to the next meeting.

As the meeting closed, Supervisor Peterson took the opportunity to again thank outgoing board member Estes and said, "Jerry has been a real asset to the county and I am glad to have had the privilege to argue with him over this time."

The next Board meeting is scheduled for January 3.

W McCully