By Shaun McInnish, Sr., City Beat Writer, Pelahatchie News
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen for the Town of Pelahatchie held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Town Hall. Mayor Karl Vanhorn called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All board members were present: Alderwoman Diane Hill, Alderwoman Sandra Harvey, Alderman David Gray, Alderman Eddie Jones, and Alderman James Harrell.
Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to amend the agenda to include the voting for Mayor Pro Tem. Alderwoman Diane Hill seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
A vote was held by ballot for Mayor Pro Tem. Alderman Eddie Jones received three votes, while Alderwoman Sandra Harvey and Alderwoman Diane Hill each received one vote. The city clerk announced the result that Alderman Eddie Jones won the vote and became new Mayor Pro Tem.
Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to accept the results of the Mayor Pro Tem vote that announced him as the winner. Alderwoman Diane Hill seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Alderman Eddie Jones then made a motion to amend the agenda and move to executive session. Alderman James Harrell seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
After entering executive session, Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to move to closed session. Alderman David Gray seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
The 2023–2024 audit with Windham and Lacey was discussed, but it was stated that no action was taken.
Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to return to executive session. Alderwoman Diane Hill seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Alderman Eddie Jones then made a motion to move from executive session back into regular session. Alderwoman Diane Hill seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Residents or Visitors’ Business
Renee Buynar of College Street was listed on the agenda but was not present. Mayor VanHorn stated that he had spoken to her prior to the meeting. She has appeared on the monthly meeting agenda numerous times over the past year.
Myrtis Champion and Gerald Watson were also listed concerning a modular home on Clayton but were not present at the meeting.
Mrs. Holly with Pelahatchie Petals addressed the board and requested to continue beautification efforts around town. Attorney Banks stated she is working on a Memorandum of Understanding between Pelahatchie Petals and the Town.
Department Discussions
Police Chief Mahaffey stated he is preparing notifications for delinquent properties and hopes to hold a public hearing by the next board meeting.
Alderwoman Harvey asked for an update on Rick’s Auto Shop. Chief Mahaffey stated that he did not have one and had been unable to reach the owner.
New Business
Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to reinstate all current town employees. Alderman James Harrell seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 2, 2025, regular board meeting. Alderwoman Diane Hill seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to approve payment of the unpaid claims docket. Alderman James Harrell seconded the motion. Alderwoman Sandra Harvey and Alderwoman Diane Hill voted nay. All other board members voted in favor. The motion passed.
Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to approve the disbursement of a bank draft payment to Morgan and White Insurance in the amount of $1,082.27 (AmFirst Card, secondary to BCBS). Alderman David Gray seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to approve the bank draft payment to Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance in the amount of $9,052.36. Alderman David Gray seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to approve the bank draft payment to EMC Insurance in the amount of $5,916.31 for property insurance. Alderman David Gray seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to approve and ratify the payroll for June 2025, with General Fund payroll totaling $112,003.71 and Enterprise Fund payroll totaling $42,103.50. Alderman David Gray seconded the motion. Alderwoman Sandra Harvey and Alderwoman Diane Hill voted nay. All other board members voted in favor. The motion passed.
Aldermen and Mayor Discussions
Alderwoman Sandra Harvey shared that she recently attended a meeting about wildlife improvements and intends to contact representatives to see if Pelahatchie could benefit from similar programs.
Alderman Eddie Jones reminded residents that hurricane season is ongoing and encouraged everyone to stay weather-aware.
Mayor VanHorn requested a motion to remove former Mayor Pro Tem Margie Warren from all town bank accounts. Alderman Eddie Jones made the motion. Alderwoman Diane Hill seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Alderman Eddie Jones then made a motion to add himself, as newly appointed Mayor Pro Tem, to all town bank accounts. Alderwoman Diane Hill seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor VanHorn also reported that a business in town has failed to update its privilege license. He stated that Attorney Banks would be sending a violation letter to the business owner. The business was not identified.
Adjournment
Alderman Eddie Jones made a motion to adjourn. Alderwoman Diane Hill seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all in favor.
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