City Forms Commission To Oversee Electric Department
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Ward Three Alderman Grant Thompson introduced the resolution to create the Water Valley Electric Commission after researching similar models used successfully in other cities.
WATER VALLEY – The Water Valley Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to create a new Electric Department Commission during a marathon meeting July 1, the first session for the newly elected board.
The formation of the five-member Water Valley Electric Commission was the most debated topic during the meeting, which stretched over two hours and included nearly 30 agenda items.
The commission will oversee the city-owned electric department, with the stated goals of improving governance, reliability, and service while ensuring the system remains under ownership of the City of Water Valley. The resolution cites Mississippi Code Section 21-27-17 as authority for the move, and the commission will take effect on August 1.
Mayor Tommy Reynold started the discussion, explaining that there is a desire for Water Valley to follow the lead of other cities that have a city-owned electric department and use a commission to carry out the functions of that department.
“You can specify which utility or utilities are included,” Reynolds said about the commission. “In Water Valley, the commission will only be over the electric department, and not other city utilities.”
Next alderman Grant Thompson introduced the resolution and cited success stories in other cities that utilize a similar commission.
“We were elected to make improvements to city government for the next four years and not simply stand still,” Thompson said. “This resolution creates the Water Valley Electric Commission to help ensure reasonable rates and service for the electric system.”
Thompson said he spoke with city officials in Corinth, Batesville, and Louisville, as well as in Paris, Tenn.
“Every one of them told me this was the best thing they had done for their utilities,” he said. “Paris, Tenn., is considered a model city for municipal electricity—and this is exactly the system they have.”
Questions were raised during the lengthy discussion about timing and qualifications for commissioners.
Ward Two Alderman Demetrius Ingram questioned the timing of forming a commission to oversee the electric department.
“Why now?” Alderman Demetrius Ingram asked. “I understand the electric department is in bad shape, but that didn’t happen overnight. And it’s not going to be fixed overnight.”
Electric Department Superintendent Brandon Richardson added that he was not against forming a commission, but added: “I would like to have people who have experience in the electric field on that board.”
Only one nominee, Brandon Presley, has prior utility experience—having served 16 years as Mississippi’s Public Service Commissioner. The others, Alderman Ingram noted, do not have a background in utilities or the electric department.
“None of us are engineers… we are not professionals and we have complete charge of the electric (department) right now,” Mayor Reynolds noted.
“Every person on this list has 10 years or more experience managing a department, business, or a district,” Alderman Thompson explained. “If you bring them a problem, they’re going to look for the best possible solution.”
Crystal Floyd, who serves as the electric department manager also had input during the meeting.
“I’m not against the commission. But I do want to know why we don’t have somebody on there who was a former manager. They would have experience,” Floyd stressed about expertise a former electric department superintendent would provide..
City Attorney Daniel Martin reminded the board that once formed, the commission cannot be dissolved without a citywide vote. Martin also noted that the commission will have authority over hiring, firing, and setting rates.
“Don’t they have to meet with us every month, to give us a report or progress that they are working on and what they are working on?” Alderman-at-large Herbie Rogers asked.
“Do you want a monthly report required for at least the first six months?” Reynolds asked.
“If we go this route, I do,” Rogers answered.
Thompson also noted that the Board of Aldermen has the authority to add or remove a commissioner.
“So if we have one who is not working out… we can find somebody who is a better fit,” Thompson said.
Joe Magnuson also answered Ingram’s question, “Why now?” as the discussion continued.
“My thought is, why not now. Doing the same things over and over again isn’t fixing the issue. So why not try something new,” Magnuson said.
Alderman Rogers then recommended establishing a trial run for the new commission, maybe establishing it for a short period of time to see if it will work.
Martin advised that the Board of Aldermen could not create the commission and then back out of it.
“So a trial run will not be feasible,” Thompson noted.
Following more discussion, the board agreed to add a separate advisory committee to assist the commission. Former electric department superintendents —Andy Hall, Joe Newman, Eddie Magee, and Roy Bennett Stevens—along with two former department employees will be invited to serve on it. City residency will not be required for advisory members, but is a legal requirement for commissioners.
“It is done, with the advisory board,” Mayor Reynolds said after the vote.
Initial commissioners and their term lengths are: Barry Weeks – five years, Brandon Presley – 4 years, Vickie Person – 3 years, Terry Allen Jr. – 2 years and Ray Hawkins – 1 year. Future terms will be five years. Commissioners must reside in the city and will serve without compensation. The commission becomes official August 1 and commissioners will meet monthly or more frequently. The commission meetings will be open to the public, same as the Board of Aldermen meetings.
“There’s that, now let’s get on to something controversial,” Mayor Reynolds said, bringing loud laughter from the packed board room.
Water Valley Electric Department Superintendent Brandon Richardson (left) told city officials he wasn’t opposed to creating a commission but said he would like to see representation from former electric department superintendents on it. Brandon Presley (right) is one of the five commissioners appointed to serve on the commission.
Other business in the meeting included:
Reappointments
The board reappointed Crow Martin, PLLC (Daniel Martin) as Board Attorney, Jason Mangrum as Police Chief, Vivian Snider as City Clerk, Shannon Crow as City Prosecutor and Trent Howell as Municipal Judge.
Main Street Update
Water Valley Main Street Association Director Chris Goodwin addressed the board, explaining the group’s role in revitalizing downtown. The association receives $25,000 annually from the city. Goodwin reported that Main Street has received two ARPA grants totaling $161,000 and a $20,000 Fred Carl, Jr. Small Town Center grant.
Main Street also coordinates multiple events during the year including the Crappie Drop, Casey Jones Music Festival and the annual Art Crawl.
Parks Commission
Appointments
The board approved three of six nominees for the newly formed Parks Commission. The new commissioners are Jessie Gurner (nominated by Herbie Rogers), Ben Ifshin (Mayor’s nominee), Larry Stokes (nominated by Nicole Folson) and Robert Maze (nominated by Joe Magnuson.
Aldermen Grant Thompson and Demetrius Ingram will make nominations at a future meeting.
Industrial Park Work
The board approved a site plan for a new commercial building in the W.C. Gardiner Industrial Park. The structure, developed by Phillip’s Construction, will feature front office space and a rear warehouse. Another business, Delta Grind, is expected to break ground soon.
Citywide Yard Sale
Katelynn Dillard received approval to organize the third annual citywide yard sale, scheduled for Saturday, October 18, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cemetery Improvements
Rubye Carr requested updates to Oak Ridge Cemetery, including a decorative gate and wrought-iron fence. Mayor Reynolds supported the proposal, noting the historic value of the site.
Emergency Declaration Extended
The board extended the local emergency declaration for the electric department, first enacted in November 2024. City officials cited aging infrastructure, 1940s wiring, and widespread pole deterioration. Mayor Reynolds noted that bid advertisements are out for clearing vegetation from 42 miles of power line rights-of-way.
Greenways Crosswalk
A request from the Yalobusha Greenways Alliance was approved to install a crosswalk on North Court Street for users of the newly opened rail-trail segment.
