The meeting opened with approval of the Board’s minutes from October 6 and the Claims Docket dated October 21.
Airport-Related Funding and Projects at the Poplarville-Pearl River County Airport
The major portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Poplarville‑Pearl River County Airport and its development. Darrell Fuller led a presentation that featured three grant requests. At present, the airport has federal funding of $63,000 earmarked for runway and taxiway upgrades, plus an additional $150,000 budgeted for further improvements.
The airport’s checking account shows a balance of $172,500, though a substantial part of these funds has been consumed by urgent repairs, utility bills and restoration projects following lightning damage to electronic systems. On a brighter note, the aviation fuel system is generating an income of $6,000, and the newly installed path-lighting system has enhanced night‐time safety and visibility.
The discussion also covered various types of aircraft, most notably the C‑130 Hercules, emphasizing its efficiency for both the United States Air Force and the National Guard, along with the operational and maintenance challenges inherent to such aircraft.
A new hangar development is in the planning phase: a project to build five hangars with an estimated cost of about $200,000 each. Because of current budget limitations, two of the hangars will be built without doors. With the support of a grant from the Mississippi Transformation Commission, these hangars will be engineered to withstand hurricanes with winds up to 125 mph. The total investment earmarked for this initiative stands at around $6.8 million.
Personnel and Employment Actions
Several employment motions were approved:
- The hire of Gray Maiorana as a full-time Patrol Deputy.
- The resignation of Brittany Necaise Davis.
- Rescission of employment offers to several new hires.
Budget- and Agreement-Related Resolutions
The Board approved motions including:
- Acknowledgment of the Proof of Publication for the 2026 Budget.
- Authorization of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the U.S. Marshals Service.
- Voiding outstanding checks predating October 2024.
- Adoption of the Amended Budget for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.
Infrastructure and Administrative Projects
Administrative matters discussed included installation of new water lines and upgrading restroom facilities.
Returning to the airport topic, the discussion shifted to advanced planning for expansion of airport land footprint, runway extensions, property acquisitions, and other development. Land‐swap options were proposed to ensure equitable arrangements while advancing the airport’s goals.
Other Motions and Approvals
Additional motions passed:
- Authorization for the North Pearl River County Fire District to purchase a Type 6 wildland engine.
- Approval of the private road named Indigo Run / Almighty Lane, the preliminary plat of the Fox Hill subdivision, and the final plat of the Summerwood subdivision.
- Authorization for Brooke Varndo to sign purchase requisitions.
- Travel requests approved for multiple personnel, including Jeff Caillouet, Anita Sumrall, Lauren Robertson (for the 2025 Winter Conference), and others including Monica Easterling, Macie Hilred, Victoria Gallaher, Angela Boyd, Britney Ray, Hayley Saucier, Haley Traver, Gabrielle Keller, Brittany Smith, Kristen Schrock, Natalie Wilkerson and Tonya Sherrer.
- Motions to spread upon the minutes the monthly reports for AAA Ambulance Service and the Justice Court for August 2025.
- Similar motions for September 2025: Justice Court, Building Permits, Building Inspection, Animal/Litter Control, Fire Marshal Activity, Inmate Meals Served, Road Department, and the County Administrator’s monthly reports.
- Approval of an additional school bus turnaround for the Poplarville School District and road pavement work.
Economic Development Update
The economic development segment of the meeting was postponed to a later date.
