By Rupert Howell
Panola County supervisors voted Monday to “proceed” with adopting commercial building codes as well as to consider updating existing codes upon recommendation of County Code Enforcement Officer Michael Purdy.

Purdy explained that rural commercial buildings were not regulated.

He also explained existing residential building codes must be updated according to law  recommending supervisors adopt the statewide 2012 International Building code which would bring Panola County up to date.

“Most of the bugs have been worked out (of the 2012 code),” he said adding that controversial sections such as sprinkler systems included in that code could be addressed separately.

Supervisors also agreed to purchase five, four-wheel drive pickups, two 3/4 or three 1/2-ton, for the road department.  Road manager Lygunnah Bean explained that funds would come from the sale of other county equipment and would be purchased at the state bid price for a total of  $118,691.

Bids opened earlier in Monday’s meeting for county dump and garbage trucks was expected to bring in upwards of $1.2 million.

Supervisors agreed to advertise for three new (automatic arm) garbage trucks with County Administrator Kelley Magee explaining that it takes six months for delivery.

An error made re-advertising for road bond bids necessary and at the recommendation of Attorney Bill McKenzie supervisors voted to advertise for the $1.2 million in road bonds for a two-year payback instead of a five-year payback as done previously. Those funds are to be used for overlaying and maintaining existing county roads and bridges.

Supervisors also approved a tax exemption for  Batesville Tooling and Design from a request made by Panola Partnership Director Sonny Simmons in the amount of $742,000 for equipment recently purchased that will add approximately $150,000 to the local payroll while providing three additional jobs.

Board members also agreed Monday to hire a mechanical contractor to perform a “neutral audit” on the heating and air system at Sardis Courthouse.

Engineer Larry Britt made the recommendation stating that he was getting “bogged down” with various company representatives on the best way to replace or repair the heating and cooling system at that facility saying it was like, “ . . . comparing apples to oranges to pears.”

Supervisors approved Britt’s recommendation after he stated, “I wish I could do it, but I’m just not mechanical. I’m civil (engineer),” he stated.

Britt also reported progress on Rooks and Old Panola road projects.

Supervisors recessed until Thursday, May 22 when they will meet again at the Batesville Courthouse at 9 a.m.