Credit: Imani Khayyam
The Hinds County Board of Supervisors met Monday, Oct. 19, at 9 a.m. at the Chancery Court Building in downtown Jackson. For residents unable to attend, this recap highlights decisions and discussions with potential impact on neighborhoods across Hinds County and Jackson.
By the Numbers
30-day countywide burn ban approved
$2.5 million accepted for county infrastructure, with $500,000 allocated to each district
$500,000 accepted for Presidential Hills sewer and drainage improvements
$38,557 in use-tax funds listed for paving six District 1 courts
$13,896 authorized for repayment to the U.S. Treasury following issues with the Emergency Rental Assistance program
$134,716.03 emergency medical services grant approved
Countywide Burn Ban
The board approved a countywide burn ban effective Oct. 19 through Nov. 18. Emergency Management Director Joey Perkins supported the ban because of dry and windy conditions. The Sheriff's Office enforces the ban, with violations handled through Justice Court.
BURN BAN IN EFFECT
Hinds County: Oct. 19-Nov. 18
Fines: $100 to $500, plus damages if applicable
Learn more: Burn Bans, Mississippi Forestry Commission
Infrastructure Funds and Presidential Hills Earmark
The board authorized acceptance of $2.5 million from the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration for county infrastructure maintenance. County Administrator Lynn Seals said the money had already been divided equally among the five districts, with each receiving $500,000.
The board also accepted $500,000 specifically for sewer and drainage work in Presidential Hills.
Paving and Roadwork
The meeting agenda listed six proposed use-tax payments totaling $38,557 for paving courts off Flora Drive in District 1: Hibiscus, Orchard, Gladiola, Morning Glory, Begonia and Wade.
Supervisor Robert Graham said the city of Jackson is paving Flora Drive for the first time in 30 years at an estimated cost of $400,000 to $500,000.
Other road projects discussed included joint work with the city on Flag Chapel, spot repairs on Springridge ahead of state paving and an investigation into a hauler who damaged Good Hope Road without a bond.
The agenda also included a notice concerning an approved program for the Williams Lake Road bridge project, identified as LS BP-25(64).
County Funding and ARPA Allocations
Supervisors discussed reallocating a portion of the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds equally among the five districts for road-related projects. Other uses discussed included road equipment, work on a military building and surveillance cameras.
The agenda also included county budget amendments for consideration.
County Donations and Advertising Policy
The board adopted a policy requiring organizations seeking donations or advertising support from the county to submit a short application for review by the county administrator and controller before presentation to supervisors.
Emergency Rental Assistance Repayment
The board authorized repayment of $13,896 to the U.S. Department of the Treasury after a review identified fraud involving the earlier Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA1) program. County Administrator Lynn Seals said the county received the funds and is responsible for repayment. The issue predates the current board.
Henley-Young Juvenile Justice Center Agreements
The agenda included a proposed memorandum of understanding with Jackson Public Schools concerning the Henley-Young-Patton Juvenile Justice Center.
Separately, the board renewed a fire inspection and maintenance agreement with Johnson Controls for the facility, with the contract not to exceed $4,500.
Emergency Services and Public Safety
The board approved an emergency medical services grant of $134,716.03 and adopted the District 5 regional hazard mitigation plan.
The agenda also included a proposed transfer of a Vivid EV electric golf cart from the district attorney's office to the county for law enforcement use at a cost of $1.
County Technology Contract
The board approved a Cisco SmartNet renewal for 2026-27 totaling $28,710.33. The service provides technical assistance, software updates and hardware replacement coverage for eligible networking equipment. The meeting agenda does not identify the county systems covered by the contract or the funding source.
Property, Tax and Land Matters
The board approved a dimensional variance for a mobile home on Tang Road in Crystal Springs.
Additional agenda items included tax refunds and reassessments, adjustments to the 2026 homestead exemption supplemental roll and three proposed leases involving 16th Section public school trust lands, including one hunting and fishing lease and two agricultural leases.
Vicksburg National Military Park Expansion
The board's agenda included a request to support proposed land acquisition in Hinds County as part of an expansion of Vicksburg National Military Park.
The proposed acquisition would help preserve historic battlefield resources and improve public access to sites associated with the Vicksburg Campaign. The agenda did not establish whether the board approved the request.
Before You Go, You Should Know
No centenarians were recognized, and no public hearings or bid openings occurred. Supervisors Deborah Butler-Dixon and Bobby "Bobcat" McGowan were absent.
Next Meeting
The next public meeting is scheduled for Nov. 2, 2026, at 9 a.m. Learn more about the board, watch recorded meetings and download agendas and minutes.
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