Supervisors Pass Resolution Adopting Flood Ordinance
By David Howell
Editor
COFFEEVILLE – Supervisors passed a resolution adopting the final version of flood ordinance, a move that will allow the county to enroll in the National Flood Insurance Program. The unanimous vote came during a recessed meeting held Tuesday, July 20, in Coffeeville.
The resolution culminates months of work preparing a flood ordinance for the county. Benefits identified with participation in the federal flood program include the availability of conventional mortgages for people who have property in the flood zone.
Another driving force to forward and adopt the program are ramifications defined in a letter sent to the county last year. In this letter, Mississippi Flood Plain Coordinator Stacey Ricks stressed that no federal disaster assistance may be provided in the identified areas for permanent construction. This means that if a tornado or other disaster strikes, damaged homes located in the flood plain in the county would not be eligible for federal assistance.
Prior to adopting the resolution, supervisors agreed to hire Billy Humphreys on an as-needed basis as the coordinator of the program.
Humphreys, who is also hired by the City of Water Valley for performing the same job within that municipality, will earn $17.50 per hour.
The county’s new ordinance will not encompass Oakland, which will be the only portion of the county not enrolled in the NFIP. The flood ordinance will not take effect until approved by state and federal officials.
Other business discussed at the meeting included:
• Approved an application for a privilege license from Katherine S. Lindley to sell beer and light wine at 16980 Hwy. 51 in Tillatoba.
• Entered executive session to discuss a lease agreement with Avery Outdoors. The business is located in a county-owned building in Coffeeville. County officials have been working at recent meetings to negotiate a new lease agreement with Avery Outdoors.
• Approved an application from Max White to exceed the posted weight limit on County Road 55 while logging in District 5. A second application for Hankins Forest Products on County Road 230 in District 2 was also approved.
• Donated $500 to the Yalobusha County Extension Service. The money will be earmarked to offset travel expenses for the county’s 4-H horse club to attend regional competition in South Carolina next week.
