By Rupert Howell
Mattie Spears and John Farrish were named to Sardis Lower Lake Fire Commission board during last Monday’s session of the Board of Supervisors at the request of Emergency Management Director Daniel Cole who also serves as the county’s rural Fire Department Coordinator.

The fire districts recommend names for appointment to their respective commission boards to supervisors who generally approve the recommendations. Spears replaces Troy Darby and Farrish replaces Mrs. Bobbie Leaton on that board.

Cole also asked that obsolete items including a camera and several Garmin GPS devices be deleted from the county’s inventory.

Cole said later the items were equipment purchased through Homeland Security Grants. That agency is auditing equipment purchased since 2007 in Panola County beginning last Tuesday, according to Cole.

Supervisors also approved an ad valorem tax exemption for recently purchased equipment at GE Aviation in the amount of $2,468,000.

Other business at Monday’s meeting included asking for a three-month call data listing from the local ambulance service to assure calls were adequately being handled. Panola County subsidizes ambulance services to provide 24-hour emergency coverage throughout the county.
Sandy Goss was hired as part time deputy by the Sheriff’s Department and Greg Chapman was moved from part-time to full time deputy to replace a transport officer. Both deputies will fill existing vacancies.

Supervisors recessed the June meeting until Wednesday, June 24 at 9 a.m. at the Batesville Courthouse.