Michael Curtis
reporter2@greenepublishing.com
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 29, for their bi-monthly meeting; however, the meeting focused on a few key issues. One focal point was the Planning and Zoning wrap up of a request from property-owner, Shawn White, regarding the zoning change from agricultural to commercial of her 10-acre parcel located on US 90 east of the Lee Peanut property. Another primary issue, which was supported by DSI, the consulting group assisting Madison County Clerk of the Court Billy Washington, was the task of reimbursements and grants associated with the CARES ACT, which is tied to the COVID-19 hardship cases.
Following approval of the Consent Agenda, which had no standout points, the board resumed existing county business, inviting County Planner Renee Demps to the microphone to outline the facts regarding the White zoning change request. The Planning and Zoning Board Chair then spoke up via phone, who stated opposition that the White zoning request was too general, among other points. There was also one residential complaint. After hearing from all parties, the board unanimously approved the motion for the change though, noting that bringing future business wouldn't disrupt local residents and could raise revenue, effectively emphasizing their favor for business growth in Madison County. In fact, Mack Primm, current Planning and Zoning Board member, approached the microphone to reiterate his strong approval for the change, adding that the Planning and Zoning Board should have just let this go through, and again, the board unanimously approved.
Regarding the CARES ACT, utilizing the services of consulting firm DSI, Madison County Clerk of the Court Billy Washington has been working feverishly to comply with the requests for COVID-19 reimbursements from displaced organizations within the county, which presents 25 percent of the total state allocation. This must be concluded prior to requesting additional funds – the next tranche being 20 percent - all of which come with dated deadlines. Of the 3.2 million state total, the first 25 percent of the funds must be distributed, and a completed plan for the next 20 percent is due by Nov. 16. This next 20 percent tranche includes vital small-business grants that Washington wants to execute.
The board and county clerk tried to be creative, placing an emphasis on both the school system and county jail, urging each to submit the required paperwork in order to proceed. Simply put, between the required paperwork and new deadlines, executing each step of the process is very difficult, even when utilizing the assistance of DSI. In fact, Ericka McKibbin, the DSI consultant, even offered solutions and details to the local leadership.
"We're building a plan now, and checks regarding the first 25 percent are going out immediately. Then, regarding the next 20 percent, we must just 'encumber' – versus distribute – the funds, and could change them later if necessary," Washington stated.
In other news, the board chair mentioned that the Madison County Chamber of Commerce has a leaking roof that must be addressed, also holding a lengthy discussion regarding road installation and upkeep for a local subdivision, although these issues will be held over as they're investigated.
While additional issues were raised, a special one was about the Madison County Recreation Park, which has been allowing non-lighted practices, although actual games, including five weeks of soccer games have been put on hold since the COVID-19 hardship arose. Desiring to increase the usage to include fans and family, a motion was proposed to allow lighted practices and completion of the soccer season. Both were conditional on the Department of Health in Madison County providing signage and following DOH recommendations in order to use the recreation facility. Besides masks and social distancing, there were other suggestions that the Department of Health recommended. Eventually, the motion passed on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Ronnie Moore casting the dissenting vote.
In closing, it was noted that the next BOCC meeting would be held on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 9 a.m., versus the customary Wednesday meeting due to Veterans Day. It was further emphasized that the next meeting was open to the public because the state will have lifted attendance bans at that time, although certain rules may apply.