By Rupert Howell
Current concessionaire ABL was apparent low bidder at  $1.19 per meal for contract feeding Panola County inmates, although the difference in commissary percentages, the amount of money shared with sheriff’s department from inmate concession sales, caused the matter to be taken under advisement.
Supervisors met Monday to open those bids and consider other matters prior to next Monday’s regular monthly meeting in Sardis.
Anthony Barringer with Bim Bam Burgers, LLC was the only other bidder, offering a price of $1.30. He asked supervisors to consider hard work done by trustees at the jail facility and around the county when approving the bid.
ABL representative Andy Young later explained that a “medical sandwich” portion of the bid which his company quoted at $.75 and the other company at $1.25 was for inmates with medical issues such as diabetics who may need an extra bit of food at night.
Board members also discussed work on three current road projects including Curtis-Locke Station, Pope-Crowder and Union Roads.
Engineer Larry Britt explained that borings done on Curtis-Locke Station revealed gumbo soil that would require a different mixture for a lasting road bed and received permission to get quotes to have an outside company provide the mix. He estimated a cost of $50,000 for a portion of the road that included the winning firm to also grind the existing road bed prior to placing the new base.
Engineer Steven Gray explained two projects on Union Road, where culverts are “falling off,” are estimated to cost $87,000 to replace with emergency funds paying a portion as the problem arose during a declared disaster.
Emergency Management Director Daniel Cole stated FEMA would pay as much as 75 percent in some cases.
During Monday’s meeting supervisors also approved hiring Kevin Leland as a full time deputy, replacing Roger Salter prior to discussing budget matters—a discussion that will continue after next week’s Monday meeting in Sardis.