Agenda of the
Forrest County Board of Supervisors
Date: Monday, April 6, 2026
- Call to Order
- Public Forum (5 minutes)
- Eric Steele
- Lauren Street- Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center (CAC)
- Dericka Killingsworth – Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
- Approve March 2026 Minutes
- Approve or Amend Agenda
Approve Consent Agenda Items A-O
Motion: Mordica 2nd: Stringer Vote: Yes
- Continue in effect the Board President’s March 13, 2020, Proclamation of Existence of a Local Emergency in connection with COVID-19 Pandemic pursuant to Miss Code Section 33-15-17(d).
- Monthly Department Reports- March – 2026
- The Chancery Report, as submitted by Lance Reid, Chancery Clerk.
- The Coroner Report, as submitted by Lisa Klem, Forrest County Coroner
- The Election Commissioner’s Report, as submitted by James Harvison, Lucretia Jenkins, Johneice Dupree, Faye Noble, and Douglas “Butch” Benedict, Election Commissioners
- The Justice Court Report, as submitted by Stephen May, Comptroller.
- The Maintenance Report, as submitted by Dan Lee, Maintenance Supervisor
- Acknowledgements
- Acknowledge receipt of copy of Constable John Tryner’s Annual Financial Report.
- Acknowledge Surrendered Tags List for the months of January/2026 and February/2026, as submitted by Zac Howell, Tax Collector.
- Acknowledge payment to Election Workers in the total amount of $73,469.57.
- Acknowledge receipt of Check No. 1226144827 in the amount of $34,305.29 from United States Postal Service for refund on unused postage.
- Acknowledge and Ratify distribution of MV Rental Sales Tax Payments from the State of Mississippi.
- Acknowledge submittal of the 2025 Forrest County Annual Report for the Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit and authorize its submission to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), as submitted by Corey Proctor, Planner.
- Acknowledge receipt in the amount of $284,202.75 from the State of Mississippi for the Annual Rail Car Tax Payment.
- Acknowledge the closing of County Offices on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday pursuant to Mississippi Code 3-3-7(2).
- Acknowledge payment to Enterprise FM Trust in the amount of $18,779.41, Check No. 76434, Invoice No. 030426 for Lease Vehicles.
- Acknowledge & approve the new Cintas Uniform Contract for the Forrest County Road Department.
- Acknowledge MDOT Reimburse Estimate-Recap Sheet for STP-8776-00 (006) LPA, Classic Drive Multi-use Path, executed by Terri Bell, Board President.
- Acknowledge Plat for Zaineys Corner Subdivision located in the city of Hattiesburg. Authorize Board President to sign Plat in the Chancery Clerk’s Office.
- Acknowledge payment to HOSTWAY SERVICES, INC in the amount of $818.08, Check No. 76442, Invoice No. 16953787.
- Acknowledge receipt of Constable Mike Harris’ Constable Annual Financial Report.
- Acknowledge Check No. 014920900 in the amount of $3,734.40 received from CCMSI for Claim No. 26F39N184657 for the FCSO.
- Acknowledge Check No. 489319 in the amount of $25,000.00 received from Hattiesburg Clinic for Forrest County Healthy City Fitness Court Contribution.
- Acknowledge updated Cost Estimate for scanning files at Forrest County Justice Court in the amount of $46,083.32 from Business Systems & Consultants (BSC).
- Acknowledge receipt of Check No. 51222 in the amount of $385,864.34 from M. Wood Auction Co., Inc. for CODE 9279 Settlement Payment for two KW T880 dump trucks for Road & Bridge. Authorize transfer of funds to Road & Bridge.
- Acknowledge and approve request from Carnes Volunteer Fire Department to apply for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant in the amount of $40,000.00. If awarded, the funds will be used to purchase turnout gear.
- Acknowledge the submission of the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) annual report, as submitted by Katie Byrd, Grant Administrator.
- Acknowledge the submission of the 2026 Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Recreational Trails Program application for the Dixie Community Center Walking Track Improvement project.
- Acknowledge the closeout of the FY 2025-2026 Mississippi Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) Grant, including receipt of reimbursement in the amount of $2,676.75.
- Acknowledge receipt of Check No. 149209907 in the amount of $7,500.00 from CCMSI for Claim No. 24F39M458998 for a gate at the Jail.
- Acknowledge and approve BJA FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program- Local Solicitation. Authorize Board President to execute.
- Acknowledge estimate on replacing the Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX 4925i System. (Two (2) estimates included.)
- Acknowledge and authorize bid in the amount of $8,651.85 to Industrial Services of Laurel, Inc., the lower of two (2) bids on repairing the 2002 International 4700 Bucket Truck for Maintenance.
- 16th Section Leases
- Acknowledge 16th Section Residential Lease Agreement between Petal School District and Robert or Constance McGill, PPIN 002260, with an annual rent of $478.80. Authorize Board President to execute.
- Chancery Clerk
- Re: PPIN 3538, Parcel 1-074o-22-012.02 Request for the Board to consider voiding 2021 and 2022 taxes on the above parcel. The Parcel sold to Bennett Tax Co. for 2021 taxes at August 2022 tax sale and sold to Brocket, LLC for 2022 taxes at August 2023 tax sale. Ramona P. Locke should have been fully exempt from property taxes going back to 2021 tax year, but due to a description error in the Tax Assessor’s Office, her property was sold at the tax sale in error. Both purchasers have agreed to void the taxes for refund for the amounts they paid, Bennett Tax Co., $149.06 refund and Brocket, LLC, $137.06, paid from the General Fund.
Request the Board consider cancelling the 2023 taxes and 2024 taxes for the same parcel PPIN 3538. The property should have been exempt but sold to the State, therefore no refund is due. The 2025 taxes are currently due in the Tax Collector’s Office and I request the Board instruct the Tax Collector to void these taxes also, as Property is exempt.
- Tax Assessor
- Acknowledge receipt of letter for and on behalf of Ceaphus Abram, Jr. He originally signed homestead exemption in 2023 as being a Disabled Veteran. The second parcel was left off of his application. He purchased 2 split lots, which caused confusion. Please allow the DAV exemption on Parcel No 3-020P-34-016.01 for year 2025. Please cancel said receipt since he would owe no taxes, as submitted by Tax Assessor, Mary Ann Palmer.
- Authorize the Tax Collector to void PPIN 28030 for the year 2025-1 taxes. This is a Homestead Exemption Chargeback due to a clerical error in the Tax Assessor’s office. TSs# was transposed and imported incorrectly to the DOR. The correction was made 3/16/2026 in the Tax Assessor’s office and the taxpayer should’ve been allowed the exemption.
- Authorize the Tax Collector to void PPIN 15352 for the year 2025-1taxes and refund the payee. This is a 2024 Homestead Chargeback due to a clerical error in the Tax Assessor’s Office. The SS# was transposed and imported incorrectly to the DOR. The correction was made 3/10/2025 in the Tax Assessor’s office. The Taxpayer should have been allowed the exemption.
- Acknowledge NOTICE TO INCREASE THE ASSESSMENT OF REAL/PERSONAL PROPERTY on PPIN 8533, received from Mary Ann Palmer, Tax Assessor. (Picked up new home)
- Authorize the Tax Collector to adjust the personal property tax receipts for 2022 by change amount of 18765 and 2023 by change amount of 19502. Apiece of equipment was pickup by the personal property appraiser that did not belong to Lee’s Electric located in the Sunrise Community. The equipment was never removed. The Tax Assessor is removing said piece of equipment, which will allow Mr. Lee to pay his delinquent taxes for the years of 2022 and 2023. These changes will clear the matter up and allow Lee’s Electric to pay the correct amount.
- Approve PETITION FOR REDUCTION OF ASSESSMENT for PPIN 7647, as submitted by Tax Assessor, Mary Ann Palmer. (Allow Free Port)
- Approve PETITION FOR REDUCTION OF ASSESSMENT for PPIN 19663, as submitted by Tax Assessor, Mary Ann Palmer. (10% Assessment)
- Approve PETITION FOR REDUCTION OF ASSESSMENT for PPIN 21055, as submitted by Tax Assessor, Mary Ann Palmer. (Larger part of Building burned)
- Approve PETITION FOR REDUCTION OF ASSESSMENT for PPIN 32949, as submitted by Tax Assessor, Mary Ann Palmer. (Residence burned)
- Approve PETITION FOR REDUCTION OF ASSESSMENT for PPIN 33337, as submitted by Tax Assessor, Mary Ann Palmer. (Appraisal Adjustment)
- Approve PETITION FOR REDUCTION OF ASSESSMENT for PPIN 36769, as submitted by Tax Assessor, Mary Ann Palmer. (House burned)
- Approve PETITION FOR REDUCTION OF ASSESSMENT for PPIN 43042, as submitted by Tax Assessor, Mary Ann Palmer. (10% Assessment)
- Approve PETITION FOR REDUCTION OF ASSESSMENT for PPIN 46147, as submitted by Tax Assessor, Mary Ann Palmer. (Incorrect sq. ft.)
- Tax Collector
- Authorize the Chancery Clerk to cancel the taxes on PPIN 21106 for the year 2023 taxes. This property was under the State of MS and issued a new patent on 9/4/24. 2023 taxes sold to the State of MS and no refund is due. Instruct Tax Collector to void receipt.
- Authorize the Chancery Clerk to cancel the taxes on PPIN 21766 for the year 2023 taxes. This property was sold to a non-profit organization and should be exempt from taxes. 2023 taxes sold to the State of MS and no refund is due.
- Authorize the Chancery Clerk to cancel the taxes on PPIN 21240 for the years 2023 and 2024 taxes. This property was under the State of MS and they issued a new patent on 2/9/2026.2023 and 2024 taxes sold to the State of MS and no refund is due. Instruct Tax Collector to void receipt
- Authorize the Chancery Clerk to cancel the taxes on PPIN 17877 and PPIN 11717 for the year 2023 taxes. These properties are 16th section land and reverted back to the School Districts. 2023 taxes on PPIN 17877 sold to the State of MS and no refund is due. PPIN 11717 sold to tax purchaser and the Tax Collector needs to refund. Instruct Tax Collector to void receipt.
- Authorize the Chancery Clerk to cancel the taxes on PPIN 15121 for the year 2023 and 2024 taxes. Authorize the Chancery Clerk to cancel PPINS 46122 and 38497 for the year 2023 taxes. These properties are under Forrest County, the City of Hattiesburg, or the City of Petal and should be exempt from taxes. All 2023 and 2024 taxes sold to tax purchasers. The Tax Collector needs to refund.
- Authorize the Tax Collector to void PPIN 28030 for the year 2025-1 taxes. This is a Homestead Exemption Chargeback due to a clerical error in the Tax Assessor’s office. The Social Security No. was transposed and imported incorrectly to the DOR. The correction was made 3/16/2026 in the Tax Assessor’s office and the taxpayer should’ve been allowed the exemption.
- Authorize the Tax Collector to void PPIN 2430-1. This was a homestead chargeback that was corrected, and is not due.
- Authorize the Tax Collector to void PPIN 7682-1. This was a homestead chargeback for the previous owner, and the new owner is not responsible.
- Travel
- Approval for Supervisor Roderick Woullard and Planner, Corey Proctor to travel and attend the Annual Housing Conference April 29th – May 1st, 2026, at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi. Authorize payment to Mississippi Home Corporation, 735 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS. 39202, in the total amount of $600.00. (Supervisor Woullard, $275.00 and Corey Proctor, $325.00); authorize all travel related expenses allowed by law.
- Authorize and approve Jimmy Murphy to attend the 89th Mississippi Firefighters and Fire Chiefs Conference from May 27th – May 31st, 2026.
- Authorize Officials and Staff to attend the MAS 97th Annual Convention June 15-18, 2026.
- Authorize and approve nine (9) law officers from FCSO to attend training at Jones County Law Enforcement Training Academy in Laurel, Ms. The cost of the training is six (6) Officers at $650 each for a total of $3,900.00. Officers attending: Jayden Gagnon, DeNeldrick Maxwell, Dekequa Simmons, Damiyen LeFlore, Madison Warnke, and LaRisha Ridge.
- Acknowledge Sheriff Charlie Sims to attend the 2026 Sheriff’s Summer Conference at the Golden Nugget on June 1-5, 2026 and all costs associated with room and meals. Estimated cost of the room is $613.64.
- Sponsorships/Advertisements
- Consider the purchase of a sponsorship/advertisement to Hattiesburg Public School Foundation to advertise county resources as per Mississippi Code §17-3-1 and §17-3-3. This is in support of our 2026 Teacher Appreciation Week.
- Consider the purchase of a sponsorship/advertisement to Homes of Hope for Children to advertise county resources as per Mississippi Code §17-3-1 and §17-3-3. This is a Christian Ministry that serves at risk children and families throughout MS. by providing stable homes, that meet physical, emotional, spiritual, and educational needs.
- Consider the purchase of a sponsorship/advertisement to Hattiesburg Youth Soccer Organization to advertise county resources as per Mississippi Code §17-3-1 and §17-3-3. This organization desires to get as many children in the Community included in the sport of soccer as possible.
- Consider the purchase of a sponsorship/advertisement to Thaggard’s Swimming and Safety Lessons to advertise county resources as per Mississippi Code §17-3-1 and §17-3-3. This mission is dedicated to the prevention of childhood drowning and promote water safety.
- Consider the purchase of a sponsorship/advertisement to Live at Five Events to advertise county resources as per Mississippi Code §17-3-1 and §17-3-3. Our mission is to provide fun, safe, family-friendly entertainment to our citizens and enhance the overall quality of life for Hattiesburgers.
- Consider the purchase of a sponsorship/advertisement to FCAHS FFA to advertise county resources as per Mississippi Code §17-3-1 and §17-3-3.
- Coroner’s Office
- Authorize the burial/cremation of the unclaimed body of Eugene Smith, pursuant to Order, and letter from Coroner Lisa Klem, and pay Hulett Winstead Funeral Home in the amount of $500.00.
- Payables
- Authorize distribution of NG911 Funds to Emergency Management from the MS Department of Revenue: 70% distribution- $83,425.07; and 30% distribution- $35,753.61.
- Authorize Petty Cash Reimbursement to the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center in the total amount of $545.56.
- Approve & authorize payment in the amount of $76.94 to Walt Massey for Multi-Point Inspection on a 2024 Chevy Silverado, VIN RG120319.
- Approve & authorize payment to DREAM in the amount of $600.00, Invoice No. 100 for use of the building on 11/4/25 and 3/10/26.
- Acknowledge Circuit Clerk’s Annual Report and authorize payment to PERS in the amount of $8,955.00 to be paid from Board of Supervisors, per request of Circuit Court Clerk, Gwen Wilkes.
- Approve & authorize reimbursement to Forrest County AHS in the amount of $229.99 for the softball renovations and repair project.
- Approve and authorize payment to SDW in the amount of $985.76 for Classic Drive Sidewalk, Invoice No. 27821.
- Approve and authorize payment to SDW in the amount of $2,150.00 for County Bridge Replacement Program, Invoice No. 27822.
- Approve and authorize payment to SDW in the amount of $3,485.00 for Country Club Road Shared Use Path, Invoice No. 27823.
- Approve and authorize payment to SDW in the amount of $18,611.03 for Countywide Overlay/Micro Seal, Invoice No. 27824.
- Approve reimbursement to DeReginald Williamson in the amount of $127.33 for Boot Allowance.
- Approve reimbursement to Jeremy Jackson in the amount of $400.00 for a suit for court.
- Approve payment to Richie’s Collision Center in the amount of $2,500.00 for the deductible on a 2024 Chevy Tahoe, VIN No. RR249750.
- Approve payment to Dynamic Police Training in the amount of $249.00 for Police Training Class for Matt Shepherd, event A.P.P. Training.
- Capital Outlay Expenditures
- Approve Capital Outlay Expenditures:
- Insight Public Defender’s office to purchase a Microsoft Surface Pro ($1730.19), keyboard ($208.27), and DVD drive ($29.44) in the total amount of $1967.90.
- Sherwin Williams The Multi-Purpose Center to purchase the Titan Impact X 440 Skid Style Paint Sprayer Complete 120v in the amount of $1373.96.
- Hardtime Products Sheriff’s office to purchase a VR Pro in the amount of $24,750.00 (see attached quotes).
- Mingledorff’s Maintenance to purchase an ice machine for McLaurin VFD in the amount of $4341.57 (includes $125.00 freight).
- Mingledorff’s Maintenance to purchase a Liebert coil for the Chancery Building in the amount of $4,736.00.
- Country Folks Maintenance to purchase a portable building for Dewitt Sullivan in the total amount of $41,044.68. The amount of $5,866.70 is due to Country Folks upon ordering; Authorize payment. The amount of $35,177.98 is due to Texas Metal Carports upon delivery to be paid from Special Funds; Authorize payment.
- Request to Pay
- United Rentals Multi-Purpose Center renewed rentals which resulted in three invoices in the total amount of $6,816.20.
- Personnel Action
New Hire:
- Beverly Reed (Maintenance)
- Full-time with benefits
- Effective Date: 4/1/2026
Separation of Service:
- Jonathan Nobles (Coroner’s Office)
– Voluntary Resignation
– Effective Date: 2/28/2026
- David Hopper (County Wide)
- Voluntary Resignation
- Effective Date: 3/18/2026
- Kendall Evans (Admin Asst.)
- Position Eliminated (Layoff)
- Effective Date: 3/23/2026
- Roy Gene George (Data Processing)
- Separation
- Effective Date: 3/17/2026
- Tony Bond (Road & Bridge)
- Rescinding Offer
- Effective Date: 3/16/2026
- McKalley L. Keech (FCSO)
- Separation
- Effective Date: 3/26/2026
Change:
- Conner Bowman (Coroner’s Offc.)
- Transfer to Part-time w/benefits
- Effective Date: 3/1/2026
- Chris Selman (FCSO)
- Transfer to Justice Court
- Effective Date: 3/31/2026
- Kamryn Loy (Adult Detention)
- Corrections to Booking Officer
- Effective Date: 3/9/2026
- Simon Lee (Court/Bailiff)
- Booking Officer to Bailiff
- Effective Date: 3/9/2026
- Joseph Glover (County Wide)
- Transfer to Rec 5
- Effective Date: 2/5/2026
- Claims Docket
- Approve Claims Docket, as presented.
End Of Consent Agenda
- Discussion Matters
- Acknowledge and approve Forrest County Road Department to work on the (3) Sites discussed in the 2/2/26 board meeting. The sites are mentioned in the NRCS Assistance request letter signed by Terri Bell;8 Brooklyn Cemetery Road, 59 JC Bryant Road, and 74 JC Bryant Road.
- Authority for Maintenance to hire an Architect to produce specifications for bids for elevator replacement in the Chancery Building.
- Additional Matters
- Acknowledge ORDER FOR DISPOSITION OF SEIZED PROPERTY, the 2011 Chevrolet Impala VIN No. B1180735, as forfeited to the Forrest County Sheriff’s Dept., to be distributed, used or disposed of according to law, pursuant to the Order from Judge Carol Jones Russell.
- Approve and authorize execution of the Statewide Mutual Aid Contract (SMAC) per request of Glenn Moore at Emergency Management and as requested by Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, State of Mississippi. Terms, four years with automatic renewals under notice of cancellation sent within sixty (60) days of cancellation. Need authority for execution by Board President and Board Attorney for “approval as to form”.
- Consider the reappointment of Catherine Kirkland to the Rawls Springs Utility District. Term expiration date is April 1, 2026.
- The Circuit Report, as submitted by Gwen Wilks, Circuit Court Clerk.
- Approval to Temporarily Close Lynnstone Road in the Stonebridge Subdivision, notify property owners, and further investigate abandoning road as a County Road.
- Supervisor Woullard made the Motion to Establish the need to Enter into Executive Session
- Supervisor Stringer Motioned Seconded by Supervisor Woullard to Enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing IT Personnel and hospital business.
- Supervisor Woullard Motioned Seconded by Supervisor Stringer to Exit Executive Session.
- Approve Payroll Action Form hiring Daniel Harless as IT Network Administrator
- Authority to issue payment to the Forrest-Lamar Alliance in the amount of $2,000,000 for funds derived from THUD for the Eagle One Megasite
- Acknowledge the removal of Faye Moffett as Requisitioner and add Chris Selman as Requisitioner at Justice Court.
- Acknowledge removal of Deann Bailey as Receiver and add Keiaundria Lester as Receiver at Justice Court.
- Recess to Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Recess until 10:00 am Thursday, April 16, 2026



