[06/19/01] Supervisors agreed Monday to increase the emphasis on donating blood by making July 3 “Blood Drive Day.”

District 3 Supervisor Charles Selmon said he hopes to see 150 or more people donate that day from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Extension Services building at the Government Services Complex on Grove Street.

“It seems like we don’t like to think about needing blood, and it’s not until something happens to you or a family member when we think about it,” Selmon said. “I hope everyone in Warren County jumps at the chance and thinks about how important it is. This is a great cause that everybody needs to get involved in.”

Tammy Bouchillion of the Mississippi Blood Services presented the case for donations.

“Less than 5 percent of people in the United States donate blood regularly, so they are supplying all of the blood for everyone,” she said.

Those interested in donating blood need to be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in reasonably good health. Most medications will not exclude people either except for those taking antibiotics or heart medications. The process should take no longer than 30 minutes and Bouchillion said, in some cases, especially with men, donating can be good for a their health because of high iron counts.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Selmon said. “Everybody can play an active part in saving someone’s life.”

In other business, the county:

Agreed to keep offering an installment payment plan on taxes for real property and mobile homes. People may make partial payments, but taxes have to be paid in full by tax sale day, the last Monday in August, or property could be put up for sale, said Tax Collector Patricia Simrall.

Agreed to reimburse a juvenile detainee $64 for an article of clothing that was not found upon the juvenile’s release from the detention center.

Declared a 1997 Dodge Intrepid used for the Sheriff’s Department surplus because of the high cost of maintenance. The vehicle will be sold at auction and replaced in the next budget.

Opened bids to do drainage improvements at the Bovina Volunteer Fire Station. The county’s estimate was $46,736. Bids received were from Lampkin Construction for $45,027, Bulldog Construction Co. Inc. of Madison for $72,140, Southern Rock LLC of Brandon for $53,839.50 and DirtWorks Inc. for $48,025. A decision by the board is expected at the next meeting.

Supervisors will meet again July 2 at 9 a.m.