Before entering into a community discussion about a local tutoring service, the Poplarville Board of Aldermen continued the discussion of feasibility merging the Poplarville Fire and Police Departments.

City Engineer Jason Lamb presented the Board with several issues concerning merging the departments and expanding the facility.

Lamb said the current layout of the building would not be sufficient for the long-term use of both departments.

Several issues, including the thickness of the fire department’s walls and the grade of the land, would increase the cost of those improvements beyond the Board’s $20,000 budget, Lamb said.

Poplarville Mayor Brad Necaise said the Board needs to discuss their options with Lamb and decide the best course of action.

Lamb also discussed plans for a new public works building.

Lamb said the estimated cost of the project would be just short of $175,000, if the Board chose to spend $55 per square foot, filling functional needs, but not aesthetic.

The proposed building would be about 3,750 square feet and include a break room, bathroom and climate controlled storage, Lamb said.

Necaise said the Board needs to discuss the matter further with the Public Works Department “to see what makes the most sense economically.”

Poplarville Fire Chief Jonathan Head announced two new volunteer firefighters for the department, Victoria Hays and Kyle Decroix.

The Board accepted both applications and welcomed the new volunteers to the department.

Head also announced that the new Ford F-150 truck purchased from Homeland Security grant funds arrived and would soon be ready for use.

The department is also participating in fire prevention week and Poplaville’s elementary and preschools this week, Head said.

He also announced that Donny D’Antonio was halfway through his training at the fire academy and the Board approved a travel request for his graduation on Nov. 10.

Poplarville Police Chief Butch Raby announced the department has made several arrests this week for theft and vandalism, including two suspects who allegedly stole Beers Street signs.

 

In other news, the Board:

• Granted permission for the City Clerk to remove old computer equipment.
• Acknowledged financial reports from the City Clerk.
• Authorized final budget amendments for 2016.
• Discussed plans for the repairs on North Main Street.
• Discussed plans for repairs to the old City Hall building, which will be taken under advisement until the next meeting.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 1 at 5 p.m.