The Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Warren County Board of Supervisors are moving closer in agreeing to a new location for the Mississippi Highway Patrol office to remain in Vicksburg.

During their work session Monday, county administrator John Smith told the board MHP is “ok with the building” the supervisors have eyed on the corner of Drummond and Belmont streets.

The facility, which is the former Lauderdale State Farm Insurance, would still have to undergo some remodeling. Smith said MHP provided a list of 11 items that must be made for them to occupy the building, from remodeling bathrooms to making them handicap accessible to replacing flooring and adequate parking lighting.

“Right now we’re waiting on the commitment letter from MHP,” Smith told the board. He expects the letter within the next few days.

Safety and other concerns at the highway safety patrol examination station on Grove Street were brought to the attention of the supervisors late last year by the MHP, who have threatened to close the Vicksburg office and relocate out of the county.

In November, MHP Lt. Ola Kirk, who took over as Region Director of Driver Services in September, told the supervisors during a work session the facility — which is provided for at no cost by the county — did not pass the requirements of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Kirk brought a long list of issues with the current facility and what is required.

The waiting area only has nine chairs when there is a minimum of 25 required for visitor seating. There must be a public bathroom, as well as a private bathroom for employees. The bathroom that is available is also not sanitary, according to Kirk. The facility must have a minimum of 21 parking spaces for visitors and one handicap parking space. She said there is also only one way in and out of the facility, meaning there is no escape route for employees.

The Warren County MHP office serves as many as 1,600 people each month, according to information the supervisors have received from MHP officials. But it’s not just people in Warren County being served. MHP says the Vicksburg location also serves Mississippi drivers in Claiborne, Issaquena, western Hinds, southern Yazoo and southern Sharkey counties.

Kirk indicated to the board in November that Sharkey County officials would accommodate MHP with an office.

County officials and members of the MHP examined the proposed site in February and “they were pleased,” according to board president Richard George with the location. The supervisors hired McMillin Real Estate in March to assess the value of the property.