By Shaun McInnish, Sr., City Beat Writer, Pelahatchie News
The Pelahatchie Mayor and Board of Aldermen met Monday, October 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Town Hall. Aldermen present were Hill, Jones, Gray, Harrell, and Harvey. Mayor Karl VanHorn presided.
Resident Business:
Mrs. Lorraine addressed the board regarding her plans to open a new barbershop in town using an existing building. The board reviewed her request and agreed to allow her to begin work, provided she returns before her official start date. Alderman Jones made the motion to allow her to begin work before her start date, Alderman Hill seconded, and the motion passed with all aldermen in favor.
Department Discussions:
The Police Department presented its monthly report. The board approved the purchase of ten new tablets for the department at a cost of $299 each, with a $77 trade-in credit applied per device. The purchase will be paid from police funds, and the old tablets will be surplused. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve the purchase, Alderman Gray seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Police Department also requested permission to form its own drone program. The Police Chief stated that the department already had a certified drone pilot on staff, though it was not mentioned who the pilot is. The proposed program would allow trained personnel to operate drones under FAA regulations for the Pelahatchie Police Department. The price of the drones was not disclosed. Alderman Jones made the motion to allow purchase of two drones, Alderman Gray seconded, and the motion passed 4–1, with Alderman Hill voting no.
New Business:
The board approved the minutes from the September 2, 2025, regular board meeting. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Harrell seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
The board then approved the minutes from the September 4, 2025, special board meeting. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Gray seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Approval of the minutes from the September 9, 2025, special board meeting followed. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Hill seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
The board approved payment of the unpaid claims docket. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Harrell seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Next, the board approved disbursement of a bank draft to Morgan and White Insurance in the amount of $1,114.23. Alderman Harrell made the motion, Alderman Gray seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
The board also approved a bank draft payment to Blue Cross Insurance in the amount of $9,862.28. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Gray seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Finally, the board approved and ratified September 2025 payroll totals of $80,534.25 for the General Fund and $29,754.28 for the Enterprise Fund. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Gray seconded, and the motion passed 3–2, with Aldermen Hill and Alderman Harvey voting no.
Alderman and Mayor Discussions:
Alderman Hill requested repairs to a pothole in front of City Hall and mentioned a resident’s concern regarding water meter issues for the utility department to review. Alderman Harrell noted another pothole on Grimes Street needing attention.
The mayor announced that Halloween in the Park will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025. Preparations for the annual community event are underway.
The board also approved surplusing an older vehicle previously donated to the town. Alderman Jones made a motion to authorize the city hall to advertise the old vehicle for bids and proceed with the sale if possible, Alderman Gray seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment:
With no further business, Jones made the motion to adjourn, Harrell seconded, and all were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
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