County’s COVID-19 restrictions allowed to expire

Published 10:10 am Monday, June 1, 2020

The list of restrictions installed by the Warren County Board of Supervisors in response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus was allowed to expire Monday after supervisors decided not to extend the order.

Warren County Board of Supervisors President Dr. Jeff Holland said in the coming days the easing of restrictions will reopen the offices in the Warren County Courthouse, but they will be replaced by a strict social distancing policy.

In working with elected officials who operate the main offices in the courthouse, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office will continue to supervise the number of people coming in and out of the courthouse in order to maintain an appropriate number of people in the courthouse at any one time. But, the door will no longer be locked.

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Holland asked for the public’s patience as the offices in the courthouse and other county buildings are reopened to the public and as the social distancing measures that will be put in place to ensure the safety of the public and the employees working in the offices are implemented and carried out.

The number of people allowed in each office will be determined by each office and elected official. Also, residents are still encouraged to call the offices ahead of time.

In other items discussed during Monday’s meeting:

• Supervisors heard an update from Warren County Engineer Keith O’Keefe that applications had been filed Natural Resource Conservation Service funding for 28 road sites that had sustained damage during heavy rains in mid-February. The funding request for the 28 sites totals $14 million.

• Warren County Chancery Clerk Donna Hardy presented information on applications for ad valorem tax exemptions that had been filed on behalf of International Paper Company and Ergon Refining.

As for IP, the company is requesting $13,343,649 of capital improvements made in 2019 be exempt for up to 10 years. According to Warren County Tax Assessor Ben Luckett, there are some questions remaining with IP’s application.

In regards to Ergon’s filing, the $1,797,062 abatement request, would account for $9,671 each year in city property taxes and $13,248 per year in county property taxes.

Supervisors can approve the tax abatements for up to 10 years.

• The Board of Supervisors approved a formal agreement with the Department of Environmental Quality for solid waste assistance. In the agreement, the county will receive a total of $70,706 to fund both the annual household hazardous waste collection day and fund the county’s effort to clean up illegal dumpsites within the county.

As for the household hazardous waste day, it is scheduled for Saturday at Sherman Avenue Elementary School beginning at 8 a.m.

Some of the items that will be accepted during the event include batteries, used motor oil, antifreeze, insecticides, pesticides, acids, flammable liquids, paint, computer equipment, fluorescent lightbulbs, ammunition and more. Non-hazardous materials such as metals and tires will also be accepted.

The event will continue through 2 p.m. Saturday in the school’s parking lot and will be held rain or shine.

For more information, call 601-634-8073.

• In a solemn moment, Holland asked for a moment of silence following the opening prayer in remembrance of County Road Manager Larry Flowers, who died Friday at his home. He was 52-years-old.

C J Williams Mortuary Services in Vicksburg is handling the funeral arrangements, which as of Tuesday had not been announced.

About Tim Reeves

Tim Reeves, and his wife Stephanie, are the parents of three children, Sarah Cameron, Clayton and Fin, who all attend school in the Vicksburg Warren School District. The family are members of First Baptist Church Vicksburg. Tim is involved in a number of civic and volunteer organizations including the United Way of West Central Mississippi and serves on the City of Vicksburg's Riverfront Redevelopment Committee.

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