Marion County supervisors heard Monday from individuals about two proposed new programs.
Greta Rawls, community relations director for Open Wings of Outreach Care, approached the board about creating a foster home environment for veterans who are not interested in being placed in a nursing home to be located at the Marion County BusinessPlex.
She said Open Wings of Outreach Care is working in conjunction with the Veterans Administration. This program, if approved, would provide housing, meals, transportation, monitor the medications of the veterans and provide 24 hour care by certified psychologists, according to Rawls.
Board President Terry Broome requested further discussion at the next board meeting in June.
Also, Lori Watts of the Marion County Development Partnership discussed with the board about participating as an employer in the ACT Work Ready Communities Program, and supervisors unanimously agreed.
The program aims to close the skill gaps of workers and help create the necessary means to increase their skills, allowing a more productive environment with businesses and industries. Workers take a test that gauges their skill levels and that information is available to industries looking at coming to the area as a way to gauge how many workers are available with the abilities the industry seeks.
“The need is critical and will be more critical down the road,” District 5 Supervisor Calvin Newsom said.
Watts said the MCDP plans to release more about the plan in July.
Also Monday:
• Comptroller Susan Bridges discussed the Hazardous Household Waste day. After discussion with the board, a date was set for Saturday, Oct. 5, from 8 a.m. until noon at the Foxworth Transfer Station, 1967 Mississippi 586.
• Rhonda Bradley from the Department of Human Services spoke to the board about improvements to the Child Protective Services building. Outside work would be completed by the local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts with the exception of the trimming of a tree in the yard. Supervisor Raymon “Tater” Rowell made a motion, seconded by Supervisor Randy Dyess, for the county to tend to the trimming of the tree. Inside improvements are being funded by Columbia Strong and private donations.
In other business the board approved:
• Authorizing a refund of erroneous tax payments to Jerry Holloway in the amount of $224.30.
• Sending Teresa Terrell, Reshea Huhn and Joni Simmons to the Mississippi Assessors and Collectors Association Conference July 14 to July 18 at the Hollywood Hotel in Bay St. Louis.
• Contributing for pauper’s burial expenses of up to $200 for Donna Breakfield.
The next board meeting is set for June 3.
