Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rankin County approves additional $600,000 for dead‑tree removal program
Summary
The board approved a $600,000 supplemental appropriation to continue an ongoing dead‑tree removal program after members discussed prior spending, possible federal reimbursement and selection criteria for which trees to remove.
Rankin County supervisors voted Dec. 15 to approve an additional $600,000 to continue an ongoing dead‑tree removal program that county officials described as an urgent public‑safety and road‑maintenance priority.
Public‑works and road officials said the county had already expended its $400,000 fiscal‑year allocation for tree removal and had removed numerous hazard trees. Road staff described the additional funds as necessary to continue clearing dead trees that pose hazards on county roads. Officials also said they maintain detailed records of removals and locations to support potential federal reimbursement; county staff noted a pending federal appropriation request that could reimburse some local costs but cautioned it would be a reimbursement process rather than an upfront grant.
Board members discussed pacing, selection criteria and the limits on using bond proceeds for the work; legal counsel advised that bond funds require spending on capital assets with useful life and may not be appropriate to pay for tree removal. After discussion a supervisor moved to add the item and then moved to approve the $600,000 supplemental funding from county sources; the motion carried.
Staff said they will continue removal work and maintain records to support any future reimbursement requests from the federal appropriation if it is approved and administered through FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
