[1/5/05]Although sharply split on legal counsel, Warren County supervisors were unanimous in selecting board officers.

David McDonald of District 1 was elected president Tuesday as the board met for the first time in 2005, and Michael Mayfield of District 2 was elected vice president for the year.

“I believe every board member needs the opportunity to serve as president,” said District 3 Supervisor Charles Selmon as he opened the nominations for board officers after his year with the gavel.

“I have enjoyed being president this year,” he said, adding he had learned much.

Mayfield nominated McDonald. The motion was seconded by District 5 Supervisor Richard George.

District 4 Supervisor Carl Flanders nominated Mayfield. Selmon seconded the motion.

The posts are procedural, with the president chairing meetings and the vice president presiding in the president’s absence.

In filling other posts, all incumbents were returned. Richard Winans will continue as road manager and John McKee as county engineer, State Aid engineer and Local Service Bridge Program engineer.

Rick Polk was also appointed county administrator, although he will retire Jan. 31 and will be replaced by John Smith. Smith will leave his post as the auditor for the City of Vicksburg and join the county Jan. 18.

In business matters, the board:

Awarded a contract to AmeriPride for the rental of uniforms for the county road department with a secondary award to G&K Services.

Awarded a contract to APAC of Mississippi for asphalt products.

Awarded a contract to MMC Materials as primary supplier of concrete products and Vicksburg Ready Mix as a secondary supplier.

Awarded a contract for road signs and posts to Vulcan Signs.

Awarded contracts for clay gravel to B&LW, Vicksburg Sand and Gravel as primary suppliers and Buford Construction as an alternate.

Awarded contracts for washed gravel to B&LW as primary supplier and MMC and Green Brothers as alternates.

Opened bids for riprap stone from Limestone Products, Miller Materials and Martin Marietta and Puckett Machinery for a rubber-tired loader backhoe. All were taken under advisement pending study and recommendations by the Purchasing Department.

Went to closed session saying a personnel matter was to be discussed. After the meeting, McDonald said the board took no action.