Port Director Ross told the Cleveland County Court Commission on June 2, 2025, that repairs to a tractor purchased for the port had been billed to the Road Department and that the minutes of the purchase indicated the Road Department would cover upkeep and repair costs.

The discussion followed questions from Commissioner Roberts and others about where the port director would be housed; commissioners asked that Ross and county administration provide a timeline for office space so the director can perform his duties. Commissioner Roberts and other members said the port director needs a dedicated office to function effectively.

Ross told the commission the minutes of the meeting when the tractor was purchased say the Road Department would be responsible for repairs, but he noted there is currently no line item in the county budget to cover those costs. Commissioner Short moved to address the reimbursement request; after discussion the motion carried. The commission did not specify a separate funding source at the meeting.

On site conditions, Ross recommended hiring a licensed forester to assess brush and vegetation at the port and suggested Fred Stewart, a local licensed forester, as an option. Ross said he expected that a professional assessment could likely be obtained for “probably less than $500,” and commissioners discussed whether an RFP would be required depending on the final scope and price. The commission voted to continue pursuing the assessment and to research procurement requirements before hiring.

Ross and commissioners also discussed broader financing for making the port operational. Ross said the county should pursue larger federal grants and RFPs and estimated the work needed to operate the port could be “10 to 15,000,000, if not larger number.” Commissioners noted smaller congressional earmarks will not be sufficient alone; the commission has sought funds from members of Mississippi’s congressional delegation, including a $150,000 award mentioned from Senator Hyde Smith and a $2,000,000 request made to Senator Wicker.

Discussion versus direction and formal action were distinct at the meeting. Commissioners directed staff to locate the minutes referencing the tractor purchase and to clarify whether repairs should be charged to the Road Department; they voted to move forward with researching and arranging a licensed forester assessment and to return with procurement guidance. The commission did not adopt a new budget appropriation for tractor repairs during the meeting.

Commissioners raised operational concerns including limited county equipment (two tractors countywide), and asked Ross and county leadership to prioritize coordinated scheduling and clearer accountability when port equipment is used by the Road Department or other county units.

Clarifying details recorded at the meeting included a $5,000 informal procurement threshold referenced by staff as a point where bidding rules apply, and an acknowledgement that purchase orders in county practice are treated as void after 12 months. Ross said earlier small earmarks had been secured but that larger federal grant applications would be needed to bring the port to operating status.

The commission asked Ross to return at a future meeting with the located purchase minutes, a recommended procured forester or RFP language if required, and a timeline for establishing office space for the port director.