Fiscal Court approves transfers, accepts drainage bid, authorizes surplus vehicle sales and purchases security equipment

At its Oct. 1 session, the Simpson County Fiscal Court approved several routine and administrative measures affecting county operations and finances.

Budget and procurement: The court approved multiple budget transfers (including $12,000 moved for prisoner transport at Sheriff Jere Dee Hopson's request) and accepted the only bid received for the Robey-Bethel Grove Drainage Structure replacement from Scott & Murphy, Inc. for $85,166.35. The motion accepting the bid was moved by Magistrate Jefferson Burr and seconded by Magistrate Marty Chandler and carried by unanimous recorded vote.

Surplus assets and equipment purchases: The court authorized sale of a long list of surplus county vehicles and equipment through Russell Mills Online Auction, directing proceeds to the departments of origin; the list in the minutes includes Drug Task Force vehicles and a 1984 AM General 6x6 military truck. The court also authorized entering an agreement with Simply Secured for purchase, installation and programming of courthouse security cameras for $16,210, with Judge Executive Mason Barnes authorized to sign related documents.

Bills and claims: The court approved the presented bills and claims, which the minutes record in detail and include payroll and vendor payments across county departments. A $43,748.58 check from the Jail Commissary was presented to Fiscal Court for FY24/25 and recorded in the minutes.

The motions were recorded as passed by the court; the minutes list movers, seconders and show unanimous or 'Yes-All' votes where recorded.