The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted 4 to 1 to rescind an order discontinuing the contractual services of Hayes Dent Public Strategies during an open session of the previous regular meeting.
Despite the BOS’ initial decision rendered by a 3-2 vote in favor of terminating the contract, board attorney Willie Griffin quickly pointed out that Dent’s contract has an expiration date of April 30, 2021.
Termination of the contract cannot actually go into effect until after that date.
In light of that information, a motion was carried to rescind the motion with District 1 Supervisor Lee Gordon voting opposed.
Once the contract with Hayes Dent Public Strategies expires, the BOS will have an opportunity to vote on the renewal of the contract.
A month ago to date, the Board of Supervisors approved employing Hayes Dent Public Strategies as a lobbyist for the county with a total fee of $50,000 payable in 12 monthly installments of $4,166.66 with the first installment being May 31, 2020, according to a BOS order.
As stated in the order and retainer agreement between Dent and Washington County, “Hayes Dent is required to provide a monthly report detailing its performance under this agreement and action taken to advance the interests of Washington County on or before the first day of each month and attend board meetings as requested by the BOS.”
Dent’s most recent appearance before the BOS was at a Dec. 7, 2020, regular meeting in which he provided each member of the BOS a copy of a “Washington County Public Affairs Worksheet” that listed the following:
* Work on legislative matters;
* Begin a DRA process;
* Work on the Hollandale hospital with a corrections angle;
* Work with Senator Wicker’s office the Greenville bypass project funding;
* Establish a relationship to assist Washington County Economic Alliance on projects; and
* Washington, DC trip for county officials and leaders.
Dent’s Washington County Public Affairs Worksheet, however, is reportedly the only document that has been submitted to the BOS since his services were employed, aside from a monthly invoice.
District 3 Supervisor and BOS president Carl McGee said he was extremely concerned about the level of results the county has seen for the amount of taxpayer dollars that has been spent in that regard.
“I’m also concerned about some of the requirements of the contract as to whether they are being met or not, but we are in a position to review Hayes Dent Public Strategies on a monthly basis,” he said.
McGee added that as District 3 Supervisor, he will certainly assess Dent’s services to see what benefits taxpayers are seeing based on the contract agreement.
“I am watching and constantly looking for positive results,” he said.
