Union County Board 17Jun2019: Jail care, tax exemptions, more

New Albany, MS, Union County Board 17Jun2019 meeting:

The Union County Board of Supervisors heard a report from the nurse practitioner who provides medical services for county jail inmates during its Monday, June 17, meeting.

Family Nurse Practitioner Emily Young Camp said routine medical care for jail inmates, such as treatment for high blood pressure or diabetes, has been handled at the jail, reducing the need for emergency room visits.

Camp said the jail is always clean. She commended the work of Sheriff Jimmy Edwards and his staff in maintaining a healthy environment. Inmate health care is paid for by county taxpayers, so maintaining good health hygiene saves substantial money.

Union County Collector/Assessor Tameri Dunnam submitted to the board the requests for industrial ad valorem tax exemptions, which had been received by the June 1 deadline. Her office had reviewed the requests to assure that they meet the exemption requirements of Mississippi state law.

By MS law, manufacturers can be exempt from some ad valorem taxes for ten years. This is done to encourage manufacturers to locate and grow their businesses in the state. Manufacturers cannot be exempted from school taxes or taxes on finished goods. The board unanimously approved the exemption requests submitted by the collector’s office.

The supervisors approved a loan from the county General Fund to the Martintown Industrial Access Road Fund The loan is in anticipation of grant funds to pay $37,090 in engineering fees.

The board approved a longevity pay increase for Kathy Butler, who is secretary at the Sheriff’s Department. She has worked for Union County for 25 years.

The county board conducted other routine business including approval of the employment agreement with County Attorney Chandler Rogers.

The board approved routine fees due to county officials, including the chancery and circuit clerks, the medical examiner and election commissioners.

The board adjourned and will meet again on Monday, July 1.