By Rupert Howell
An issue concerning flea market vendors on city property on Backstreet in Sardis continued from last month into June’s meeting Tuesday of the board of mayor and aldermen, with Mayor Billy Russell putting the issue into the hands of city attorney Tommy Shuler to come up with a solution.

Three or four local vendors use the “Farmers Market” area of Backstreet to sell items not related to agriculture and pay the city a monthly fee for the space.

A visit by a Mississippi Department of Revenue representative exposed the requirement for the City of Sardis to report sales of the vendors for the purpose of collecting the seven percent sales tax, a portion of which comes back to the city.

Agricultural products are not required to be taxed, leading the Sardis board to consider whether the small amount of revenue would offset the establishment and administration of reporting, collecting the taxes and opening a separate account to transfer funds to the state.

Those not selling agricultural products were asked to stop until the issue is settled.

Vendors said they have obtained a transient vendor bond for $500 that gives them a tax number so that the city could report the amount sold within that city’s limits and the vendor would be responsible for paying the taxes to the state.

The city would then be credited with the sales and receive its share or disbursement with monthly disbursements issued by the Department of Revenue.

Mayor Russell said he may call a special meeting once Shuler determines a solution or suggestion so vendors can soon resume selling their merchandise.

Russell reminded aldermen of the Saturday’s Clean-Up Day in Sardis that begins at 8 a.m. at the Fire Station with sausage and biscuits prior to participants assisting with clean up around the town.

Prior to the vendor discussion the Sardis board heard North Delta Planning and Development District Planning Director Jeff Walters discuss application for a Small Municipalities Loan Project in the amount of $150,000 to repave and stripe Main Street and a portion of Backstreet.
City officials approved applying for the grant and also approved paying an additional 10 percent, or $15,000 match that would, “basically cover engineer’s fees,” for the $165,000 total project according to Walters.

City Works Director Bubba McDowell was named the city’s water and sewer operator after attending class and meeting requirements qualifying him for the tasks. He was also given a $700 monthly salary increase, the same amount paid K.T. Newman who stepped aside once McDowell received certification.

Wayne Belk told aldermen about an electronic payment system that allows payment online and in person for utility bills and other services offered by the city including fines and court costs.
Belk represents Bank Certified Payment Merchant Services that owns Noble Payment Technology.

“Noble is the only payment gateway in the world that can calculate what a credit card or a debit card actually costs to process before the transaction is completed,” Belk explained to Batesville’s City Board during a meeting last month.

Belk was to meet later with City Clerk Mary McDowell and Mayor Russell to explain how the product can benefit the city.

Other comments during the session included a citizen claiming”harassment” by the police department.

Police Chief Chris Martin met with the citizen following the meeting.