The Winston County Journal

In the special recessed meeting of the Winston County Board of Supervisors on July 27 funding for the Winston County Library and awarding of the Enon Bridge contract topped the meetings agenda.

Library outlines programs, request funding of budget

Winston County Librarian Beth Edwards and Richard Greene, the Director, Mid-Miss Regional Library System outlined to the supervisors the important role the library plays in the lives of everyday Winston Countians and the many improvements to the library.

Edwards outlined the success of the recent summer library program, which had over 200 attendees who read more than 2,011 books. Edwards noted that funding from much of the program came from sponsors like The Taylor Group, Georgia-Pacific, Louisville Banker's Association, Wal-Mart, Hardee's and Pizza Hut.

Edwards added that through a grant gained by director Greene that the library would soon offer wireless internet and that computer usage at the library is up especially with the well attended six computer classes offered by the Winston County Self Help Cooperative at the Library.

"The Self Help group has a really good program going with the classes," said Edwards.

Supervisor Lamar Clark inquired about the libraries internet filter tools to prevent misuse of the computers.

Greene explained the computers had good internet filtering software to keep anyone from going to inappropriate websites. Greene added that the library would soon switch over to a more local server and filtering system, which should speed up the system and help prevent any downtime.

Edwards also explained to the board the many additions to the library including Louis Taunton historical collection.

Edwards and Greene emphasized that to continue to grow the library and its success that the board considers a modest increase in funding when it does the county's budget.

"It is an increase of $10,000 over last year," said Greene. "We are working with a very conservative budget but library materials and operating expenses continue to increase like so many other things."

Greene added, "We are not looking to add anything significantly new but use the funds to maintain a good program while making progress each year."

Board members congratulated the library on its many programs and noted the funding request would be given full consideration at budget time.

"Library usage can help turn out smarter kids for the future and we will give your request our utmost consideration," said Tom Blalock, president of the board of supervisors.

Board awards Enon Bridge contract

County Engineer Jimmy Kemp helped the board open bids on the bridge work needed on Enon Road for two box bridges.

With six bids turned in on the project, the board accepted the lowest bid of $237,277.70 by J.J.Ferguson. The bid was over the $215,670.32 estimate the state set for the project but was over $40,000 less than the highest bid and was almost $5,000 lower than the next bid in line.

Kemp noted that the project could begin once State Aid office reviewed and also approved the bid. Kemp added he would schedule a preconstruction meeting with all necessary parties to being the project after receiving state approval.

In other matters, the board:

€ Approves payment of $450 for renewal of maintenance contract of the VIMS computer system.

€ Approved the order for inspection of all county bridges for the 2008 report.

€ Approved travel expenses for three WCCRCF employees to attend the ACA accreditation awarding.

€ Requested signed and written documentation from WCCRCF Warden Ed Hargett on two promotions request from the facility prior to approval.

€ declined applying for Katrina Funding Community Block Grant funds after noting by Phyllis Benson of Golden Triangle Planning and Development that the county could be hard pressed to meet the requirements of this specific grant which was focused on only limited Katrina damaged not covered by FEMA, insurance or other funding.

€ Agreed to seek a $150,000 grant through MDA state funds to repair the courthouse roof and the Department of Human Services building. Benson is scheduled to send the paperwork for board approval of the application in the August 6 meeting.

€ and approved the lifting of the burn ban.

The next meeting of the Supervisors is set for August 6.