STARKVILLE — A public hearing will be held March 5 to discuss two rural development grants.
The Golden Triangle Planning and Development District Monday discussed resolutions for a pair of rural development grants that would help fund two Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs for transport and a backhoe to be used in District 5.
The grants are available through the United States Department of Agriculture to eligible districts that meet certain income benchmarks from the 2000 census.
According to the Development District’s Spencer Broocks, District 5 is eligible for 75 percent of a rural development grant. Districts 2, 3 and 4 are eligible for 35 percent.
As a whole, Broocks said, the county is eligible for 35 percent. However, there’s a chance the county could qualify for 75 percent, according to the state rural development office.
“We’re going to apply for $50,000 with that understanding,” Broocks said. “If we do that, the county’s responsibility will be $12,500. Worst-case scenario, the county would be obligated to match with $17,500.”
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to hold the public hearing.
County to explore work program
Under the advisement of District 2 Supervisor Orlando Trainer, the board voted unanimously to establish a community work program for residents to pay off fines.
Trainer said people can expect to be given credit for minimum wage, which would be deducted from their fine. An additional structure of when, where and what kind of work also would be established.
Trainer said county road crews are in “dire straits” with road cleanup.
“I’ve talked to clerks and judges in Lowndes (County), and they’ve got the whole process, protocol and template to follow,” Trainer said. “Also, with inmates, we need to step up our litter program.”
The community program would be separate from the current inmate trash pick-up crew.
No timetable was given to implement the program.
OCSO strikes deal with SPD
The Starkville Police Department houses its inmates at either the Oktibbeha County Jail or Clay County Jail. They’ll now have a little breathing room and less trips to West Point.
The board voted unanimously to accept OCSO Sheriff Steve Gladney’s proposal for an $87,600 annual inmate housing agreement with the SPD.
The SPD will be guaranteed eight beds at the cost of $30 a day. The amount is guaranteed whether or not the beds are used.
The SPD currently has a contract with Clay County to house up to 16 inmates. OCSO would take half of those, which would mostly be short-term inmates, Gladney said.
The SPD will be responsible for inmates’ medical and dental bills, Gladney said.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.