By Shaun McInnish, Sr., City Beat Writer, Pelahatchie News
The November 2025 meeting of the Pelahatchie Mayor and Board of Aldermen was held on Tuesday, November 3, 2025, at Town Hall. Mayor Karl VanHorn called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the invocation by Alderman Jones and the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was taken with Alderwoman Diane Hill, Alderwoman Sandra Harvey, Alderman David Gray, Alderman Eddie Jones, and Alderman James Harrell all present, establishing a quorum.
Residents and Visitors’ Business:
Victoria and Devon Porter appeared before the board regarding Gingerbread Kutz, a childcare business they currently own in Morton and wish to relocate to Pelahatchie. Mrs. Porter explained that she already holds the necessary license but must receive the town’s approval before the state can complete its required inspection. After discussing the request, Alderman Jones made the motion to approve the relocation, Alderwoman Hill seconded, and the motion carried with all members voting in favor.
David Hegwood was mentioned as wanting to express his plans for a building on Brown Street, with the Police Chief explaining he had talked with Mr. Hegwood and that he intends to lease the building and operate it as a shop. He noted that the structure had become an eyesore and stated his intention to clean and repaint it as part of preparing the building for use. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve his request, Alderman Gray seconded, and the motion passed with all members voting in favor.
Department Discussions:
The City Clerk announced that the Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 20 at 11:00 a.m. at the Knox Ross Town Center. The Pelahatchie Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., featuring pancakes and photos with Santa. Immediately after the breakfast, the Town of Pelahatchie will hold its annual Christmas Parade at 10:00 a.m. on December 6. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland,” and participation forms are available at City Hall.
New Business:
The board approved the minutes from the October 6, 2025 regular meeting on a motion by Alderman Jones, seconded by Alderman Gray, and the motion passed unanimously.
The unpaid claims docket was then approved on a motion by Alderman Jones and a second by Alderman Harrell, with the motion passing 3–2, with Alderwoman Harvey and Hill voting no.
The board next approved the disbursement of the bank draft payment to Morgan and White Insurance in the amount of $1,114.23, associated with the AmFirst card and secondary to BCBS. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderwoman Hill seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
A bank draft payment to EMC Insurance for $13,024.75, covering property insurance, was also approved with a motion by Alderman Jones and a second by Alderman Gray, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Payroll for October 2025 was then approved and ratified, with totals of $77,003.73 for the General Fund and $29,246.41 for the Enterprise Fund. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Gray seconded, and the motion carried 3–2 with Alderwoman Hill and Alderwoman Harvey voting no.
Aldermen and Mayor Discussions:
Alderman Jones reminded everyone that a Veterans Day Program will be held on November 11 at 8:00 a.m. at the East Rankin Academy Activity Center. Alderman Harrell reported the need for pothole repairs on Grimes.
Mayor VanHorn closed the meeting updates by discussing the town’s tornado sirens, reporting that the county provided a quote of $200,000 to replace all six sirens within the Pelahatchie city limits. The proposal includes full installation of the sirens and a full warranty, to be repaid by the town at a rate of $20,000 per year for ten years. Alderwoman Hill made the motion to accept the proposal, Alderwoman Harvey seconded, and the motion passed with all members in favor. Mayor VanHorn noted that the work would begin soon.
With no further business, Alderman Jones made a motion to adjourn the November meeting, Alderwoman Hill seconded the motion, the motion passed with all in favor, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:38 P.M.
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