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Tunica Aldermen pick Cook Coggins for CDBG engineering, approve leases and staff steps after executive session
Summary
At its Jan. 6 meeting, the Tunica Board of Aldermen designated Cook Coggins Engineering as most qualified for the town's CDBG project, approved leasing and bank designations, set a $0.725 mileage rate, directed an attorney to investigate meter warranties and extended a temporary water employee for four weeks.
TUNICA, Miss. — At its regular meeting on Jan. 6, 2026, the Tunica Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved a series of administrative and project actions, including designating Cook Coggins Engineering as the most qualified firm for the town's proposed CDBG project and authorizing negotiations on a contract; the meeting also produced unanimous votes to advertise an 18-acre parcel for agricultural lease and to name three banks as qualified public depositories.
Mayor Andrew T. Dulaney presided over the meeting at the Municipal Complex. The Board unanimously approved the Dec. 16, 2025 minutes and the December claims. Interim Police Chief Keith Smith reported that a recent special enforcement detail generated 40 citations and 7 arrests. Public Works Supervisor Reggie Griffin updated the Board on ongoing culvert and drainage work, and Ms. Withers of Tunica Main Street announced the River Gate event scheduled for April 16–18, 2026.
On land use and property management, the Board discussed an approximately 18-acre parcel (tax parcel 5113-05000-0000100) located west of U.S. Highway 61, south of Academy Drive and north of Peabody. The Board voted to advertise the parcel for agricultural lease as an interim cost-saving measure while the town plans for future park or recreational use.
Financial housekeeping actions included the Board's unanimous decision to designate Citizens Bank & Trust, First Security Bank, and Planters Bank & Trust as qualified depositories for a two-year period, and to authorize Mayor Dulaney and Town Clerk Kathryn C. Pennock as signatories. The Board also approved an annual lease payment of $3,600 to Tobin Mangum for property adjacent to the town shop and set the town mileage reimbursement rate at $0.725 per mile for private vehicle travel when a town vehicle is not available.
On the proposed CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) project, the Board reviewed ranking sheets and a recommendation from Granville Sherman of North Delta Planning & Development. Based on the evaluation, Alderman Valerie Hartsfield moved and Alderman Adam Fullilove seconded a motion to designate Cook Coggins Engineering as the most qualified firm and authorize Mayor Dulaney and Town Attorney Richard W. Ryals, II to negotiate terms; the final contract will return to the Board for approval.
The Board discussed problems with water meters and unanimously authorized Town Attorney Richard W. Ryals, II to investigate warranty issues and report back. Following a closed determination and an executive session held under Section 25-41-7 of the Mississippi Code to discuss employment matters in the water/sewer department, the Board voted to continue Aron Turnquist as a full-time, temporary employee for an additional four weeks without health or life insurance or state retirement. Turnquist's initial duties were described as addressing a high number of meters not reading and assisting with lift station checks.
The Board noted receipt of a fully executed Delta Catalyst Fund (DRA) grant agreement and directed that it be included in the minutes. The meeting concluded after routine business and an adjournment motion by Alderman Adam Fullilove.
Votes at a glance - Approve Dec. 16, 2025 minutes: motion by Alderman Valerie Hartsfield; second Alderman Lee B. Turner; unanimous among Aldermen present (Fyfe and Pierce absent). - Approve December 2025 claims: motion by Alderman Adam Fullilove; second Alderman Lee B. Turner; unanimous among Aldermen present. - Advertise 18-acre parcel for agricultural lease (tax parcel 5113-05000-0000100): motion by Alderman Adam Fullilove; second Alderman Valerie Hartsfield; unanimous among Aldermen present. - Designate Citizens Bank & Trust, First Security Bank, Planters Bank & Trust as qualified depositories (2-year term): motion by Alderman Valerie Hartsfield; second Alderman Lee B. Turner; unanimous among Aldermen present. - Approve $3,600 lease payment to Tobin Mangum: motion by Alderman Lee B. Turner; second Alderman Adam Fullilove; unanimous among Aldermen present. - Designate Cook Coggins Engineering for CDBG engineering and authorize negotiations: motion by Alderman Valerie Hartsfield; second Alderman Adam Fullilove; unanimous among Aldermen present. - Authorize Town Attorney to investigate meter warranty issues: motion by Alderman Lee B. Turner; second Alderman Adam Fullilove; unanimous among Aldermen present. - Approve mileage reimbursement rate $0.725/mile: motion by Alderman Lee B. Turner; second Alderman Valerie Hartsfield; unanimous among Aldermen present. - Continue Aron Turnquist as full-time temporary employee for four weeks (no benefits): motion by Alderman Lee B. Turner; second Alderman Adam Fullilove; unanimous among Aldermen present. - Adjourn meeting: motion by Alderman Adam Fullilove; second Alderman Valerie Hartsfield; unanimous among Aldermen present.
What happens next The Town will advertise the 18-acre parcel for agricultural lease and return the paving project discussion to the Feb. 17, 2026 agenda. Negotiations with Cook Coggins Engineering will proceed; a final contract will be presented to the Board for approval before execution. The Town Attorney will report back on meter warranty findings.
