Contracts to start the construction of the county courthouse annex were signed by the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors during Monday’s meeting.

County Administrator Adrain Lumpkin said Board members will attend a pre-construction meeting Wednesday to finalize the bond papers. He expects the county to be able to receive the funding within 30 days after that, and construction of the project to follow.

The multi-million dollar project will build new offices for county services near the current county courthouse on Main Street in Poplarville, previous coverage states.

Pearl River County Library System Director Carol Phares also spoke to the Board about the need for continued funding of the county’s local libraries.

During Monday’s meeting she gave the same presentation to the Board as she gave to the Picayune City Council and Poplarville Board of Aldermen that highlighted the various services offered at the Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library and Poplarville Library.

Her presentation covered the addition of an Adult Book Club, a service the library has been trying to start for the past few years and proctor exams for those who need to take an online test that must be observed by a third party to deter cheating, she said.

Phares said the Picayune location also features a history room that is accessible to the public.

A recent $3,000 donation provided for the purchase of three new computers at the Picayune branch, which allow community members a way to not only search for information on the Internet, but also file their taxes and apply for employment, she said.

Phares requested the Board continue to provide the same level of funding as last year so the services being offered can be maintained.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for August 22 at 9 a.m. in the Courthouse on Julia Street in Poplarville.