The Leflore County Board of Supervisors has decided to provide financial assistance to the town of Schlater in revamping its sewage system only if the county receives confirmation that it can use American Rescue Plan Act money to do so.
Tommy Gregory, a Greenwood consultant, said at a board meeting Monday, “Those of you who know me know that I am not too proud to beg for something” while asking for money to mitigate the deficit brought on by COVID-19.
Schlater does not have $107,600 needed for a local match for the project because of delays and increased prices caused by pandemic supply chain issues, he said.
When finished, the project will bring the town’s system up to Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality standards. Schlater applied for the grant before the pandemic based on prices then but these now exceed the original budget on which the grant was based.
The first budget was for $235,200, but that has had to be adjusted. The lowest bid was $342,800.
Anjuan Brown, District 3 supervisor, suggested using the ARPA funds, and the board concurred. However, due to the particular nature of how ARPA funding can be used, they are awaiting legal advice to ensure these funds are available for the purpose at hand.
The vote was 3-2, with Reginald Moore of District 2 and Sam Abraham of District 1 voting no.
The contractor has held its bid at the same price for several months now, according to Gregory, who is worried about the possibility of withdrawal.
The board also discussed a potential housing down payment initiative to encourage home ownership in disenfranchised communities, which the American Rescue Plan Act describes as communities of color. If approved, the initiative would provide matching funds through the Mississippi Home Corp. and supplement other funding provided.
The board has been asked to provide $7,000 each as part of down payments to qualifying individuals.
Home Corp. has commitments from 17 counties and is operating on a first-come, first-serve basis for people who qualify for the assistance.
Information is being forwarded to Joyce Chiles, board attorney, and the board expects a report by next week.
In other business, Fred Randle, the county’s emergency management director, informed the board about a one-day emergency management exercise from 9 a.m. to 3 pm. July 12. The object is to demonstrate what is needed when disasters such as a flood or tornado occur and educate community agencies in emergency management practices.
The board denied a request from a contract extension for 2023 from John Ray, producer of the Down Home Blues festival. Ray said the contract he is seeking is the same as the one for 2022 but the board demanded a physical copy of the proposed contract for 2023. When this is provided, the request will be revisited.
- Contact Katherine Parker at 581-7239 or kparker@gwcommonwealth.com.
