| By Jason C. Mattox
The City of Batesville was made aware of an equipment need at the civic center when Tri-Lake Productions owner David Bailey appeared at the meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen
May 16.
Bailey told city leaders he had been planning to run a gun show some time in January, but was told it would not be feasible.
"Mr. (Roy) Hyde doesn’t think a gun show is possible in January because it would mean moving dirt in and out of the building," Bailey said.
Traditionally, the Batesville Civic Center books dirt floor events January through March.
Hyde explained that the cost of moving the dirt would be more than what the facility makes from the gun show.
"We bring in more taxable sales than any of the other shows combined," Bailey said. "If the city expects to handle more trade shows, there is a need to get the needed equipment that will make it possible to move the dirt in quicker."
Hyde said with the city’s equipment, it takes three days to move dirt off the arena floor.
"I was told I could have the show, but it would have to be on a dirt floor, and that just won’t work," Bailey said.
Bailey said limiting the civic center to dirt events during that quarter of the year was not a good move because those three months are the most attractive for trade shows.
"With a lot of these trade shows, you will have to work around other dates in the state and around the country," he said.
Hyde echoed Bailey’s sentiments, saying the civic center has had to turn away clients because of the inability to get dirt moved in and out quicker.
"David is absolutely right," he said. "We do need a way to get that dirt moved in and out faster, but it is a big financial investment to purchase that equipment.
"We do give up a lot of business because we don’t have the equipment we need," he added. "I hate for dirt to keep us from getting other shows, but it has done just that."
Aldermen said they would look into the matter and see if they could find a resolution to the problem.
No action was taken.
| In other board business: |
| – |
Aldermen accepted the resignations of Michael Roberts Jr. and Judd Moore from the Batesville Police Department. |
| – |
Kalvin Viney was granted a conditional use permit to open a detail shop at 322-C Highway 51 South. |
| – |
Aldermen agreed to allow $35 pay to constables in Panola County and surrounding counties for collection of past due court fines at the suggestion of warrant officer Lannie Jones. |
| – |
Civic Center employee Forest Clark was given a salary adjustment after completing his six month probationary period. |
| – |
Rick Jones was hired to work part time in the street department to help with mowing during the summer. |
| – |
Gary Snider was given permission to take the Class II Wastewater Exam on May 26, in Starkville. Expenses will be paid by the city. |
| – |
Detective Paul Shivers will be allowed to attend the American Polygraph Association Continuing Education Seminar in Vicksburg. Expenses will be paid by the city. |
| – |
The Batesville Police Department will become a corporate member of the Tri-Lakes Shooting Club at an annual cost of $156. |
|
