By Joseph McCain | The Star Herald
The Attala County Board of Supervisors met Monday, Nov. 17, to discuss road maintenance updates, employee training, discuss payroll procedures, and routine financial matters during a session that included reports from the county engineer and administrative staff.
The meeting opened with prayer before County Engineer Christian Gardner gave an update on local road and bridge work. Supervisors approved several payments related to current infrastructure projects, including Falcon Contracting and Gardner Engineering, both tied to ongoing paving efforts throughout the county.
The board also approved a payment to the Mississippi Public Entity Workers’ Compensation Trust, renewed the Thomas Auction contract, and authorized District 5 to send one employee to Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training.
A portion of the meeting centered on discussion of a possible new electronic payroll and timekeeping system. The county is looking at transitioning from paper timesheets to a digital time and attendance portal, which will require each department to track hours electronically.
Supervisors, department heads, and payroll staff discussed logistics for implementing the new system, including potential installation of internet access at district barns to allow employees to clock in and out through online time clocks.
The change could also introduce adjustments to pay periods, requiring coordination between departments to ensure consistent processing.
The board also discussed issues concerning restraining orders and protective orders within the county’s court system. Officials clarified that Justice Court cannot issue restraining orders, which must be filed through Chancery or Circuit Court, often requiring an attorney and a filing fee.
Justice Court clerk reaffirmed that domestic protection orders can still be filed in Justice Court when they involve related parties such as family or household members.
Other topics addressed included:
•Approval of travel for Justice Court clerks to attend an upcoming convention in February.
•Discussion about advertising for gravel and pipe bids for road maintenance.
•Updates on county employee policies and handbooks to reflect upcoming procedural changes.
The board also briefly interviewed a janitorial candidate to fill a county custodial position following a recent retirement.
Engineer Gardner noted progress on several ongoing infrastructure efforts, including bridge work and other projects awaiting environmental clearance and funding.
The meeting concluded with routine departmental updates and scheduling of the next regular session. The next meeting is Dec. 1 at 9 a.m.
