Northeast county residents getting on water system

A group of people between the Keownville and Dumas areas are going to get on a water system for the first time thanks to a grant that primarily affects Tippah County.

Fifth District Supervisor Steve Watson asked the full board to confirm participation at their meeting Monday.

Like those in the Bumcombe Hill area, these people have had to rely on wells and, for whatever reason, had not been taken in by any existing water system.

Now, they will be attached to the Dumas water association.

There is no cost to Union County, Watson said.

Supervisors also learned Monday that a change will occur in how court papers are served here.

Constable Ronnie Goudy said in the past he has had three way of serving papers: in person, posting on a door, and giving the paper to a family member.

However, the new regulation that begins July 1 will require the justice court clerk to also send a first-class letter to the defendant within three days of service, if it is posted or given to a family member.

Prior to this, if defendants did not show up they were sent a letter giving them new court dates.

Goudy said some parts of this are unclear and Justice Court Clerk Larissa Edwards will be attending a meeting June 23 that should clarify what is required.

Goudy wanted to raise the question of who would pay for the added postage, especially since he cannot deduct this cost as a tax expense.

The requirements should be clarified for supervisors at their July meeting.

Board members also acted on cases where applications for Homestead Exemption had been disallowed. There apparently is some confusion, especially among the elderly, concerning changes when a spouse dies during a year. Some homeowners, who have had the exemption for years, had it disallowed for that entire year because someone had died during the year.

Of the appeals filed, only two were approved by the state. However, it was noted that in the past supervisors have not required payment in these special cases, particularly involving the elderly.

In personnel, the board approved employment for Jennifer Harrison at the Union County Extension Office and also a longevity pay raise for William Blake Smith as dispatcher at the sheriff’s department.

Concerning major projects, the board approved advertising for bids on renovations to the courthouse and a new roof for the old jail. The bids will be opened July 21. The cost will primarily be paid for using Mississippi Department of Archives and History grant funds. A similar grant has been used for courthouse renovation in the past.

Supervisors also approved the county engineer’s advertising for separate sealed bids for water, sewer and gas improvements to the Martintown North Industrial Park. These bids will be opened July 20.

In purchasing, they approved a low bid of $19,200 for a 15-foot brush cutter from Garrison Grass Cutters.

Finally, supervisors approved the governor’s proclamation to close governmental offices July 3 and 4 for the Independence Day holiday. Although offices will be closed Friday, July 3, the garbage routes out in the county will be collected as usual (In New Albany, offices also will be closed and the garbage schedule will change. Both the usual Thursday and Friday routes will be picked up Thursday, July 2).

The next scheduled meeting for the board of supervisors will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 6.