Columbia is preparing for a special election on Aug. 3 to decide whether to renew a franchise agreement with Mississippi Power for 25 more years.
The agreements are not required, but because Columbia has one in place it gets 3% of Mississippi Power's electricity sales in the city instead of the 2% required by law.
The Board of Aldermen on April 7 approved an order setting the election. The meeting was moved to the Municipal Courtroom to allow plenty of room for social distancing in response to the coronavirus. In addition, the meeting was also broadcast via Facebook Live.
The agreement with Mississippi Power allows the company to use the city’s rights-of-way and will be expiring soon, according to Board Attorney Lawrence Hahn.
Columbia voters first approved the agreement in a 1971 special election, and it was approved again by voters in 1995, passing with 96% of the vote. Similar agreements are held by other cities throughout Mississippi Power's service area, and Columbia has agreements with other utilities.
Also on April 7, aldermen approved the quote of Buster Shaw Fencing in the amount of $13,985 to fence the bulk water facility. The previous fence was destroyed by the Pearl River flood in February.
Regarding the coronavirus, per the order of the Mississippi Public Service Commission, the board agreed to extend the disconnect date for an additional 30 days for water and sewer. The board also is waiving late fees for water and sewer for March only. Late fees that have been incurred for January and/or February’s statements must be paid.
Also in response to COVID-19, the city amended its administrative leave policy. The state policy allowed administrative leave with pay under certain circumstances, but was amended to include local governments after the virus outbreak. The board voted to change the current policy to make the policy more consistent with the state.
The Mississippi Municipal League conference that was scheduled in June has been postponed to September due to the virus.
Alderman Mike Smith spoke about an increase in littering. He said he thinks it is time for more $1,000 littering citations to be issued in hopes people will quit littering.
