By Rupert Howell
Supervisors took under advisement bids on the overlay of Sardis Lake Drive and agreed to distribute fire rebate funds to the county’s 15 fire districts during Monday’s meeting in Sardis.
The low bid of Lehman Roberts for of $741,244.85 was approximately $65,000 above the construction estimate of State-Aid Engineers, but almost $60,000 lower than the only other bidder.

The total project is now projected to cost $857,200 with engineer’s fees and contingencies with $713,300 of that being funded with federal and state funds. The low bid was taken under advisement while supervisors decide how to make up the difference.

Each of the county’s 15 fire districts will receive approximately $8,000 of insurance rebate money. The money comes to the county each year and Panola County has traditionally dispersed it to fire districts, both municipal and rural. EMA Director Daniel Cole requested the dispersement as he also serves as coordinator of rural fire departments.

County Extension Service Agent Judd Gentry asked supervisors to consider funding a full-time county Family and Consumer Services Coordinator.

Supervisors took Gentry’s request under advisement stating they would look closer while developing the upcoming year’s budget.

The position was cut during an economic downturn with several counties sharing an area Consumer Services employee.

Sonny Simmons with Panola Partnership presented his budget request to supervisors which was also taken under advisement until a budget is again discussed. Simmons told supervisors that Panola Partnership is competing to attract development against organizations with “Two or three million dollars compared to our $350,000 budget.”

Chancery Clerk Jim Pitcock’s requests, as clerk for the board, included presenting request for reduction of assessment for a property owner, a bus turn-around, ad valorem tax exemption for GE Aviation and sending the coroner and assistant to a seminar, were all approved.

The county will continue to pay $7,500 annually for beaver control through the USDA with Road Manager Lygunnah Bean stating, “We want to continue that program. It’s working out pretty good.”