At its Nov. 24 meeting the Lamar County Commission approved multiple operational expenditures, including a roofing contract for the damaged portion of a county roof, repairs to jail HVAC coils, and an opioid-settlement purchase of naloxone (Narcan).

After opening bids, commissioners discussed two roofing proposals for about 5,700 square feet of damaged roof. One bid listed $117,360 (Graham Roofing, Westport, Mississippi) and another $96,600 (Garner and Associates / Rainbow City). Commissioners compared warranties and insulation specs and, after discussion about manufacturer warranties and proximity, a commissioner moved "we go with Grama Roofing even though it's a higher bid," a motion that was seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners noted the work would be paid from settlement funds.

The commission also approved a $10,936.84 repair for failed AC coils at the county jail (three coils), with funding proposed from capital improvement or projects accounts. Sheriff Marty Gotwell told commissioners the coils have been patched repeatedly and replacement is more economical than continuing repairs.

On public-health supplies, Sheriff Gotwell said existing Narcan supplies were nearly exhausted and that naloxone is an authorized opioid-settlement expenditure. The commission voted to authorize funds to purchase additional Narcan units and asked the sheriff to coordinate distribution with county pharmacies.

The board discussed replacing the judicial building's failing camera system; staff presented a quote of $11,536 but said tribal grant funds were not usable because much equipment was not U.S.-made. Commissioners expressed concern about using general-fund dollars for equipment serving state-funded offices (circuit court/circuit clerk) and voted to table the camera purchase to the December meeting to clarify funding sources and specifications.

Other items approved by voice vote included a municipal jail-boarding agreement with the town of Detroit at $25 per inmate per day and a personnel-policy change moving the county Thanksgiving holiday to Thursday and Friday annually.