By Staff Reports
The Kosciusko Board of Aldermen worked through a full agenda during its Dec. 2 meeting, which included opening annual supply and depository bids, hearing a detailed update from the Attala County Library, accepting community donations for public safety equipment, and considering several committee appointments and property matters. The board also held a special executive session on Dec. 8 regarding a school board appointment.
On Dec. 8, the Kosciusko Board of Aldermen met in a special executive session to conduct interviews for an upcoming vacancy on the Kosciusko School District Board of Trustees. After deliberation, aldermen voted to appoint Veronica Brooks to the board.
Brooks will replace Ozell Landfair, whose term is expiring, and will serve through Dec. 31, 2030.
December 2 meeting
The meeting opened with a public hearing for two properties before Mayor Tim Kyle called the session to order. Alderman Culpepper offered the invocation. The board then approved minutes from seven previous meetings held between Aug. 5 and Sept. 22.
Under old business, aldermen opened annual supply bids, including submissions for street signage. The city accepted the bids under advisement as is customary before purchase decisions are made. The board also opened bank depository bids from several financial institutions, including packages offering both fixed and floating-rate options. Those were taken under advisement for further review. No bids were received related to the city’s historic red caboose so no new action was taken.
Library Director reports growth, new staff
Attala County Library System Director Janelle Snyder presented a year-end update, highlighting new staff, expanded programming and rising participation numbers. Snyder introduced two new employees noting their enthusiasm and contributions.
She also reported new improvements inside the library. Snyder said library programming is growing significantly, with adult program participation up 54% and preschool attendance up 120% for fiscal year 2024-25. Circulation increased 5%. She invited city leaders to the library’s annual Christmas Open House scheduled for Dec. 5 from 5–7 p.m.
City accepts donations for cameras
The board unanimously accepted four donations toward the city’s safety cameras. Contributions of $1,990.75 each were received from Holt’s Body Shop, JC Cheek Contractors, Dickerson Petroleum and Franks Chevrolet.
Police officials reported the city operates six cameras, noting they have already played a role in solving multiple cases. Annual service fees generally total around $3,000, though this year’s total was reduced due to installation delays.
Software Contract Renewed; Airport Payments Approved
Aldermen renewed the annual contract with BBI, which provides software and hardware services for the city’s payroll, budgeting, licensing and fixed-asset systems. The renewal includes $7,680 for software and $850 for hardware.
Two payments related to ongoing airport improvements were approved:
• $3,917.50 to Gardner Engineering for engineering services.
• $69,898.91 to Hodges Land Services for project work.
The board accepted the resignation of one Patrolman, effective Dec. 15. Several committee appointments were approved, including:
• Planning Committee – Lucas Price, term expires Dec. 31, 2030
• KWL Board – Billy Tolleson reappointed, term expires Jan. 1, 2031
• Licensing Board – Corvan Greer Jr. reappointed; term expires Oct. 1, 2027
• Licensing Board – Trent Fleming reappointed; term expires Oct. 1, 2027
• Historic Commission – Katherine Ellard reappointed; term expires Nov. 30, 2030
Property Assessment and Abandoned Street
A $450 property assessment fee was approved for North Central Mississippi Regional related to former railroad property the city is required to maintain.
The board also formally abandoned a long-proposed but never-constructed segment of E Street, located near a Highway 12 property where Domino’s Pizza plans to develop. City officials said decades-old right-of-way reverted to adjacent owners under state law.
Discussion on HB 1197: Safe Solicitation Law
The board discussed HB 1197, a new state statute governing roadside solicitation. Municipalities have until Jan. 1, 2026, to opt out or adopt local regulations. Due to overlapping state laws and confusion regarding enforcement, many Mississippi cities are considering opting out until clearer guidance is provided. Kosciusko will likely need to hold a special meeting before the deadline to take formal action. No vote was taken Dec. 2.
The board also approved the claims docket and voted to recess until Dec. 16, 2025.
