Rankin County boards declare nuisances at two properties and order safety measures at a hazardous home

Rankin County officials on Oct. 2 declared two properties nuisances and ordered staff action after reviewing complaints and photographs; they also authorized interim safety measures and cleanup planning for a third property flagged as hazardous following a fire coordinator’s inspection.

The commission opened a public hearing on a complaint received July 16 alleging accumulation of rubbish and garbage at 240 Willow Lane (District 2). Staff reported certified letters were mailed but the owner did not respond. After reviewing photographs and the lack of owner contact, a motion was made and passed to declare the property a nuisance and refer the matter to the justice court for enforcement.

The board then considered a separate nuisance matter at 5569 Seventh Day Road (District 1), where complaints dated May 21 cited an unsafe structure, equipment, trash and tall grass. Certified letters were mailed in May and a hearing letter on Sept. 5; staff reported limited cleanup activity and an attorney’s letter stating grass had been cut. Family members appeared and said they are acting on the property owner’s behalf and asked for time. Commissioners declared the property a nuisance but voted to give the family 30 days to continue cleanup and asked staff to monitor progress.

Separately, the board opened a public hearing under Mississippi Code section 43-35-33(c) regarding 316 Woodlands Drive after a call from the fire coordinator on Aug. 22 reported a deceased person inside and life-safety hazards. Staff reported that bids are being solicited to “strip it down to the studs” and remove interior hazards; the board instructed staff and the fire coordinator to secure the structure, post appropriate warnings and arrange for removal (including use of a dumpster and contractors) so the property does not pose a risk to the community. The board specified this action as distinct from ordinary nuisance proceedings because it involves hazardous conditions that affect public safety. A motion to authorize staff to secure the structure and proceed with cleanup planning passed by voice vote.

Family members of the property at 5569 Seventh Day Road identified themselves on the record: Cheryl Diane Speed said she is acting as power of attorney for her mother; Daryl Speed said he has been cleaning the property with farm equipment and requested time to complete work. Commissioners said they appreciated the cleanup efforts but emphasized the cleanup must progress within the 30-day window.

All three motions passed with affirmative voice votes recorded as “Aye.”