Washington County board of Supervisors President Carl McGee was not amused when supervisor Mala Brooks attempted to postpone the appointment of a nominee to the Levee Board at Monday’s meeting.
McGee said delaying the vote due to unpreparedness was unacceptable. He said not voting on a candidate today would shortchange the nominee. He also said that there were opportunities for training and meetings that the nominee could participate in to better prepare for the position.
Brooks stated that she hadn't had sufficient time to fully evaluate the candidates and requested more time. She motioned to postpone the vote, but the motion failed to receive a second and was subsequently tabled.
The board then voted unanimously, appointing Paul Dees as the newest member of the Levee Board. He fills the spot formerly held by Hank Burdine who recently died.
In other board news:
• The property south of the old health department is owned by the State of Mississippi but may be acquired by the County.
• Three bridges were slated to be replaced over the next fiscal year.
• The board discussed with Justin Burch President and CEO of Washington County Economic Alliance, about selling some buildings and properties for redevelopment projects with private investors, also refurbishing some of the iconic signs around the county, The airport is getting a lighted sign raised off the ground, with a modern look said Burch.
• Supervisor Brooks said she wanted more transparency and access, in the election counting process. McGee said to question the process at this, the eleventh hour was not beneficial to the process, and that the Election board has the final say in where and how the counting takes place.
• A 200,000 dollar budget expense was voted on to continue ambulance service to the county, McGee cautioned that this wasn’t a one-time payment, that this was going to be an ongoing annual fee that equaled $16,000 a month, MeGee said the county can’t afford it, and he was going to vote against it. The motion passed 4-1.
