By Rupert Howell

Chad Meek was named interim Panola County Flood Plan Manager at Monday’s meeting of Panola County supervisors following last month’s resignation of Michael Purdy.

Meek will hold the interim title until he qualifies as a Flood Plan Manager which requires taking an exam on the subject area. Supervisors held off setting a salary until more information could be obtained and Meek receives certification.

He has previously served as building inspector for the county in the Land Development Department.

Sheriff Dennis Darby received a 3.5 percent raise as mandated by the legislature also during Monday’s meeting. The increase raises the county’s head law enforcement officer from $82,000 to $85,000 annually.

County Administrator Kelley Magee said the figure may be adjusted when proper census figures are confirmed.

Darby also made changes in his staff moving two part-time deputies to full time and naming Lt. Willie Harris shift commander.

The full-time hires are to fill vacancies caused by the retirement of Lee Martin and Gerald White. White had served in the shift commander position of which Harris was elevated.

Britton Crawford and George Renfroe were part-timers who are now full-time deputies.

Darby also asked supervisors to accept a grant from Homeland Security in the amount of $18,000 for equipment to assist with interstate interdiction, $5,000 for a TRIAD grant to assist senior citizens.