The Tupelo City Council on July 1 declared an emergency and authorized the Department of Public Works to contract Hodges Construction to repair a sinkhole between two residences on Wynwood Cove.

Public Works staff told the council the sinkhole required immediate action and that, under Mississippi law for emergency purchases, the city could bypass the standard bid timeline. The contract amount is $293,121.14, and Public Works said it has funds available in its drainage budget to cover the cost.

Why it matters: The council approved an emergency procurement to address an active roadway/drainage failure affecting private residences. Repair work and contractor payment were prioritized to prevent further damage.

Details: Staff said a typical public-construction project over $75,000 requires roughly a 30-day bid process, but the condition at Wynwood Cove met the statute’s emergency criteria. The council approved the resolution authorizing the Department of Public Works to proceed with the repair and contract Hodges Construction for the stated amount.

Next steps: The project will proceed under the emergency purchase authority and be funded from the Public Works drainage line item; council voted unanimously to authorize the purchase.