Former Warren County Deputy Jeff Crevitt was chosen Monday to fill the unexpired justice court term of his father, who died July 2.

He was appointed on a split vote by members of the Warren County Board of Supervisors after motions for three of seven applicants failed.

Crevitt, 46, resigned as an investigator for the sheriff’s department after 22 years of service to apply for the post held by his father, Joe, for nearly 12 years.

A 1981 Warren Central High School graduate, Jeff Crevitt was a patrol deputy for six years before becoming a criminal investigator in 1995. He also cited experience as bailiff in justice, county and circuit courts, and testimony and procedure in justice court and federal court.

He said he will seek to be elected to the seat when a special election is held Nov. 3. Races for tax collector and two election commission seats also will be on the ballot. Qualifying ends Sept. 4, with the winners to serve through the 2011 county and state election cycle for terms that begin in January 2012.

District 4 Supervisor Bill Lauderdale moved for the board to appoint Crevitt, citing his law enforcement experience and knowledge of the job through his father. The vote was 3-2, with Lauderdale, District 1 Supervisor David McDonald and Board President Richard George voting yes.

“It’s very fortunate to have the number of people who have applied for this position,” Lauderdale said. “It’s tough making a decision, but I feel like the most qualified person also has a special interest in making sure the job is done correctly.”

District 3 Supervisor Charles Selmon and District 2 Supervisor William Banks traded motions and seconds for Sally Sheffield McDaniel, an employee of Sheffield Rentals, attorney and former justice court judge Ceola James and attorney Lisa Anglin Counts.

“How do you feel that Jeff has more qualifications than the attorneys?” Banks asked Lauderdale after Banks moved for James’ appointment. James was appointed judge in 1997 before losing a special election to Joe Crevitt, who succeeded Jeff Riggs.

Applicants must be at least 18 and have lived in the Southern District for two years before the appointment. A high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma also is required. A law degree is not required.

In Mississippi, justice court judges hear small claims civil cases involving debts up to $3,500, misdemeanor criminal cases and any traffic offenses that occur outside municipalities. Justice court judges also conduct bond hearings and preliminary hearings in felony criminal cases and may issue search warrants.

In 2007, a task force called by the Legislature recommended several new requirements for the office, such as an associate’s degree and five years’ experience as a certified law officer, paralegal, court clerk, deputy clerk or court administrator. One recommendation enacted into law stipulated additional legal and judicial training. Salaries are set by the Legislature according to county populations. In Warren County, the position pays $40,075.

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On the agenda

• Authorized the board president to sign a permanent easement agreement with Kansas City Southern Railway concerning track in the area of work to replace the Haining Road bridge at the Port of Vicksburg.

Supervisors have sought clearance from the railroad to work around railroad right of way so the next phase of work can continue. Documents were expected to be in the hands of railroad engineers today. The work is funded by a $10 million Katrina-related disaster grant. Construction costs on the 2 1/2-year project are pegged at $6.8 million.

The board president was also OK’d to sign papers on a $100,000 community development block grant to finance repairs on LeTourneau Road and with Energy Resource Inc. for a study of the county’s energy needs. A study is needed to ensure the county’s eligibility for $218,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to finance energy-efficient windows in Warren County-Vicksburg Library and the Board of Supervisors office.

• Approved a $275 check to Canada-based Braker Box to purchase a drag sled for the Sheriff’s Department. The company specializes in equipment used in accident reconstruction.

• Approved a final plat for Littlewood subdivision, Part II.

• Reappointed Willie Glasper to the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. The term expired June 30.

• Approved a $100 advertisement for the Pass the Rock 3-on-3 basketball tournament Aug. 28-29 in Vicksburg. The tournament is sponsored by the Alcorn State University women’s basketball program and will take place in the Wal-Mart SuperCenter parking lot, according to event information.

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Contact Danny Barrett Jr. at dbarrett@vicksburgpost.com