Pearl River County Utility Authority Board of Directors honored Director of Plant Operations Anthony Hall during Thursday’s meeting for being named President of the Mississippi Water and Pollution Control Operators’ Association on April 20.

Hall previously served as vice-president and on the association’s Board of Governors, a release from the organization states.

Other matters discussed during Thursday’s meeting included proposals to install a septic system in the Eagle Heights subdivision on Highway 43 North. Utility Authority Executive Director Ray Scott said a meeting last week with homeowners went well and he believes the Utility Authority would get the 75 to 80 percent support it needs for the project.

Overall, he estimated it would cost about $400,000 to install the system that would run to the lift station on Liberty Road.

Scott said there is a possibility of other residents outside the subdivision also connecting to the line.

The Board also discussed bids for the Picayune Wastewater System Rehabilitation project.

The Board received two bids, one from Ensue Form, LLC for $4.63 million and the other from Suncoast Infrastructure for $4.75 million.

After discussion about the two bids, the Board voted to accept the lowest bid from Ensure Form, despite their previous success in doing business with Suncoast Infrastructure.

Scott said the UA received a $6 million loan to fund the project and budgeted the cost at $5.2 million, including a $600,000 contingency.

The Board also selected Sample, Hicks and Associates to conduct assessments of the organizations’ labor standards to ensure workers are being paid adequately.

Utility Authority Attorney Heather Ladner said a fee would be negotiated for the service.

Utility Authority Engineer Vernon Moore also provided the Board with an update on the planned Highway 11 expansion. Moore said the project is currently in the design phase with the Mississippi Department of Transportation, however he still expects the Utility Authority’s utility infrastructure along the path of the widening work will need to be relocated by the end of the year.

In other matters, the Board approved a $600 reimbursement to George Janet for replacement of a section corner marker on Trotter Street.

Scott said the marker was likely removed when work was conducted in that area.

The Board also approved a sewer adjustment for Mary Davis’ property on Pine Street for $414 and for Lee McWilliams on Cypress Lane for $249.