Agenda of the
Forrest County Board of Supervisors
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Call to Order
– Public Forum (5 minutes)
1. Scott Drennan Proclamation of Fallen Officers
– Approve April 2026 Minutes
– Approve or Amend Agenda
Approve Consent Agenda Items A-M
Motion: Stringer 2nd: Thompson Vote: Yes
A. 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).
B. Monthly Department Reports- April – 2026
1. The Justice Court Report, as submitted by Stephen May, Comptroller
2. The Chancery Report, as submitted by Lance Reid, Chancery Clerk.
3. The Coroner Report, as submitted by Lisa Klem, Forrest County Coroner
4. The Election Commissioner’s Report, as submitted by James Harvison, Lucretia Jenkins, Johneice Dupree, Faye Noble, and Douglas “Butch” Benedict, Election Commissioners.
5. The Circuit Court Report, as submitted by Gwen Wilks, Circuit Clerk.
C. Acknowledgements
1. Acknowledge and authorize County Offices to be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of the Fourth of July Holiday, per Section 3-3-7, Miss. Code of 1972.
2. Acknowledge permission to remove the attached list of Inventory, as submitted by Deann Clay, Inventory Clerk.
3. Acknowledge Upchurch Bi-weekly Progress Report.
4. Acknowledge payment to ENTERPRISE FM TRUST in the amount of $18,779.41, Check No. 76998, Invoice No. 040326 for Lease Vehicles.
5. Acknowledge payment to DISH NETWORK, LLC in the amount of $450.19, Check No. 76806, Invoice No. 335007568 for the Jail.
6. Acknowledge the FY25 Use Tax Modernization Report as submitted to the Department of Revenue.
7. Acknowledge check from former City of Laurel Public Works Director, Luther Tyrone Russell, for extensive road damage to Lee Road at Mary Magdalene Road, in the amount of $431.00.
8. Acknowledge payment to HOSTWAY SERVICES, INC in the amount of $820.58, Check No. 77029, Invoice No. 17057182.
9. Acknowledge and approve the Clover SaaS fees for the month of April totaling $99.69 and approve Clover SaaS fees for the month of May totaling $99.69.
10. Acknowledge and authorize the closeout package for the Mississippi Municipality and County Water Infrastructure (MCWI) Grant, subaward #595-2-CW-5.5 as submitted by Katie Byrd, Grant Administrator. Authorize Board President to execute.
11. Acknowledge the Quarterly report for ARPA SLFRF for Quarter 1 2026 (January-March), as submitted by Katie Byrd, Grant Administrator. Authorize Board President to execute.
D. 16th Section Leases
1. Acknowledge Cancellation of 16th Section Contract, PPIN 20091 held by Lexi Sutton in accordance with the default of the annual rental provisions as outlined in said agreement. Authorize Board President to execute.
2. Acknowledge Cancellation of 16th Section Commercial Contract, PPIN 24481 held by James P. Harris in accordance with the default of the annual rental provisions as outlined in said agreement. Authorize Board President to execute.
3. Acknowledge Cancellation of 16th Section Commercial Contract, PPIN 21447 held by Dorothy Woullard Smith in accordance with the default of the annual rental provisions as outlined in said agreement. Authorize Board President to execute.
4. Acknowledge Cancellation of 16th Section Contract, PPIN 021566 held by Freddie J. Johnson in accordance with the default of the annual rental provisions as outlined in said agreement. Authorize Board President to execute.
5. Acknowledge 16th Section Residential Lease between Petal Municipal School District and Lee Stevens, Parcel # 1-035X-16-82.01, with an annual rent of $308.50. Authorize Board President to execute.
6. Acknowledge Cancellation of 16th Section Contract, PPIN 20956 held by Robert Williams in accordance with the default of the annual rental provisions as outlined in said agreement. Authorize Board President to execute.
E. Travel
1. Authorize and approve Supervisors to travel and attend the ADP Leadership Exchange, September 16-28, 2026, in Chattanooga, TN.
2. Authorize and approve Constable Tommy Cook to attend the 2026 Mississippi Constable’s Association and Training Seminar (MCA) in Bay St. Louis on June7th-12th, 2026. Training Seminar/Convention Fee and Association Dues are $450.00. Make Check payable to Mississippi Constables Association.
3. Authorize and approve officers to attend the 2026 MLEOA Summer Conference: Jacob Hiatt, Jeremy Jackson, and Sheryl Patterson. The Conference will be held at the Hollywood Casino on May 31, 2026-June 8, 2026. Total registration cost is $200.00 plus lodging, meals, and fuel. Estimated cost is $69.00 a night for a total of $1,242.00 for three (3) officers. Please make the registration check in the amount of $200.00 payable to MLEOA.
4. Authorize and approve Shelena Smith to travel and attend IAED Basic Emergency Telecommunication Certification Course held May 26th-30th, 2026 at Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Gulfport, Mississippi. The cost registration is $395.00. This fee is a reimbursable expense. Estimated cost of hotel stay is $480.24.
F. Sponsorships/Advertisements
1. Consider the purchase of a sponsorship/advertisement to Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Association to advertise county resources as per Mississippi Code §17-3-1 and §17-3-3. Committed to Law Enforcement.
2. Consider the purchase of a sponsorship/advertisement to Leadership Pinebelt to advertise county resources as per Mississippi Code §17-3-1 and §17-3-3. This Mission is to serve families across the Pinebelt by offering laundry access solutions that promote dignity, stability, and equal opportunity for children to thrive in school.
G. Coroner’s Office
1. Authorize the burial/cremation of the unclaimed body of John D’Alessio, pursuant to Order, and letter from Coroner Lisa Klem, and pay Forrest Funeral Home in the amount of $500.00.
2. Authorize the burial/cremation of the unclaimed body of Ricky Daniels, pursuant to Order, and letter from Coroner Lisa Klem, and pay Moore Funeral Home in the amount of $500.00
H. Payables
1. Authorize reimbursement in the amount of $1,000 to Matthew Artis Carter for a fine that he paid. He was fined in the amount of $1,500, which exceeded the $500 maximum allowed by MS Code Section 97-9-55.
2. Authorize compensation under Section 23-15-515 for proper ballot design and styles to be programmed for each DS200 scanning device, Express Vote Machines and pollbooks: 76 DS200 Scanners, 76 Electronic Pollbooks, 34 Express Vote Machines at $100.00 each for a total amount of $18,700.00.
3. Authorize payment to the Tax Collector in the amount of $40.00 for title applications and to the MS. Dept. of Revenue in the amount of $48.00 for government tags.
4. Authorize payment to Hattiesburg Police Benefit Fund in the amount of $500.00 for the Hattiesburg Police Department.
5. Authorize payment to TWIN FORKS RISING in the amount of $5,359.46 for work performed at 605 S. Tipton St to be paid from ARPA.
6. Authorize payment in the amount of $100.00 from the budget of the County Prosecuting Attorney, payable to Chris Townsend for his court appearance on April 24, 2026. His address is 419 S. Main St., Petal, MS 39465.
7. Authorize payout to UPCHURCH PAYOUT #3 in the amount of $559,982.78.
I. Capital Expenditures
1. Approve Capital Expenditures:
a. Southern Connection Sheriff’s office to purchase rifles and accessories in the total amount of $7,349.51.
b. Lewis Printing Circuit Clerk to purchase office furniture in the total amount of $3,787.00.
c. Dell, Inc. Sheriff’s office to purchase seven (7) desktop computers in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 using MS state contract.
d. Authorize purchase from DELL Computers in the amount of $1,386.36 for a Dell Pro 16 Plus to replace Supervisor Woullard’s laptop. It will not upgrade to Windows 11.
J. Sole Source Purchases
1. Southern Connection Sheriff’s office to purchase seven (7) Blue Label Agency Glocks ($819.85 each) in the total amount of $5738.95.
2. Atlantic Signal Sheriff’s office to purchase an Invictus PTT wired for Motorola APX Series radio system in the total amount of 16,910.50 (includes $50.00 shipping cost).
K. Request to Pay
1. International Fire & Safety, Inc. Invoice# 046839 Sheriff’s office incurred an additional charge of $75.00 on a previous purchase order (165038). The purchase order was closed and paid on the original amount, leaving this charge outstanding.
L. Personnel Action with Additions
New Hire:
1. Chase Spencer (Adult Detention)
– Full-time with benefits
– Effective Date: 4/20/2026
2. Jimmy Clark (Road & Bridge)
– Full-time with benefits
– Effective Date: 5/5/2026
Separation of Service:
1. Merritt Rambin (Adult Detention)
– Voluntary Resignation
– Effective Date: 4/25/2026
2. Kaelee Answorth (Program Assistant)
– Voluntary Resignation –
– Effective Date: 4/16/2026
3. Amber Walters (Justice Court)
– Voluntary Resignation
– Effective Date: 4/22/2026
4. Nicholas Hocanson (Firefighter)
– Voluntary Resignation
– Effective Date: 5/3/2026
5. Jared Scott Drennan (The Center)
– Terminated
– Effective Date: 4/24/2026
Change:
1. Vanderick Jones (Adult Detention)
– Corporal to CO
– Effective Date: 4/20/2026
2. Landon Mixon (FCSO)
– 2184 TO 2080
– Effective Date: 4/2/2026
3. Danielle Gaitanis (Multi-Purpose))
– Transfer from Multi -Purpose
– Effective Date: 6/1/2026
4. Stephanie Smith (Deputy Collector)
– Rate Change
– Effective Date: 5/4/2026
5. Bobby Wells (Battalion Chief/EMT)
– Rate Change
– Effective Date: 5/4/2026
6. Danielle Gaitanis (Maintenance)
– Transferring to Maintenance
– Effective Date: 5/1/2026
Other:
1. Lonnie Cole Morrow (FCSO)
– Off Intermittent FMLA
– Effective Date: 4/20/2026
2. Scott Maillett (FCSO)
– Return from FM LA
– Effective Date: 4/17/2026
3. Joseph Glover (County Wide)
– Return from FMLA
– Effective Date: 3/16/2026
4. Montez Magee (Assist. Foreman)
– Family Medical Leave
– Effective Date: 4/16/2026
M. Claims Docket
1. Approve Claims Docket, as presented.
End Of Consent Agenda
N. Discussion Matters
1. Acknowledge Appointment to Forrest County Industrial Park Commission replacing James K. Dukes, Jr. for the remainder of the term set to expire May 19, 2028. 2.
2. Consider the reappointment of Beverly Commodore (District 4 appointee) to the Forrest County Industrial Park Commission. Current term expires May 19, 2026.
3. Approve quote from Gilliand for Rental Alarm System with Maintenance and Monitoring Service in the amount of $500.00 with a Monthly Monitoring and Maintenance Fee in the amount of $35.00 for the freezer at Danny Hinton Community Center.
4. Approval to advertise for the purchase of five (5) pickup trucks to be purchased for the Road and Bridge Foreman.
5. Approve to increase the Administrative Assistant position pay at The Center up to $20.00 per hour.
6. Approval to increase the Director of Marketing, Emily Rickman, pay to $20.00 per hour.
7. Approval to increase the Director of Food and Beverage, April Shoffner, to $20.00 per hour.
8. Approval to fill a full-time position at The Center with Megan Alford at a pay rate of $16.00 per hour with benefits.
O. Additional Matters
1. Consider Petition request of H & H Cleaning Services, LLC for abandonment of property described as Ferndale, a proposed future road and Right-of-way. It was dedicated on previously approved Plat but, never constructed, improved or used as such. Supporting documents to Petition attached for consideration. H & H Cleaning Services, LLC owns or has Quitclaim Deeds from other possible contiguous property owners.
2. Authorize Joseph Tullos, Esq., special counsel contracted to perform title and Right-of-way work on final Suggs Road Bridge replacement and Archie Smith Road Bridge replacement projects, and Board to accept Waiver Valuations on Richard Charles Sumrall and Christopher Charles Sumrall property, PPIN #9183, $1,610.00 and Ronald M. Nicholas, Jr. property, PPIN #9179, $1,820.00 as received from ATLAS, as establishment of Just Compensation for Sumrall and Nicholas and authorize a Fair Market value offer to be submitted to those owners for those amounts per attached Waiver Valuations, all pursuant to MCA 43-37-3(b).
3. Authorize appointment of Clay Cranford, Esq., Assistant District Attorney, 12th Circuit Court District to serve as Special Prosecutor in the Forrest County Justice Court Misdemeanor cases against A. Humphrey and M. L. Holmes (all cases presently pending), necessitated by the Recusal Petition of Jack L. Denton, Forrest County Prosecutor and the Order granting the same by Judge Gay Polk-Payton, Forrest County Justice Court Judge, per statutory authority granted to the Board of Supervisors.
4. Acknowledge the prior authorized employment of Chris Robinson, Architect, Johnson-McAdams Firm dba Albert and Robinson Architects, and the AIA contract B101-2017 between owner and architect for the renovations and/or replacement to the elevators in the Chancery Court Building and authorize execution of the same by the Board President. This is for all specifications for the project, including all things necessary for the prompt bidding of the project, overseeing same and inspection and certification of the project upon completion, as standard rate of 6% of total construction cost and per rates listed in the contract attached.
5. Acknowledge the grant award from the Southern Pine Electric Cooperative Members Helping Members Community Trust Fund to Forrest County Fire Services in the amount of $9,780.90, as submitted by Katie Byrd, Grant Administrator. Authorize Board President to execute.
6. Approve payment to MoeLife Ent., LLC in the amount of $68,225.81 for 50% plus hotel accommodations for Entertainers for Mother’s Day Blues Festival.
7. Approve payment to Precision Fab & Refurbishing in the amount of $35,700.00 (lower quote) for structural support of rafters at The Center.
8. Establish the need to enter into Executive Session.
9. Enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Personnel Matters.
10. End Executive Session.
11. Approve payment to Ashley Jones in the amount of $324.00 for Media Spots for the Great Forrest County Fair 2026.
12. Approve payment to Scott Drennan in the amount of $4,628.00.
13. Approve purchase of 50 ExpressPoll Electronic Pollbook tablets and software from ES&S for Circuit Clerk’s Office for elections.
14. Recess until Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Recess until 10:00 am Thursday, May 14, 2026