By Shaun McInnish, Sr., City Beat Writer, Pelahatchie News
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the town of Pelahatchie met in regular session on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall. Mayor Karl VanHorn called the meeting to order, followed by the invocation by Alderman Jones and Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call was taken with Aldermen Diane Hill, Sandra Harvey, David Gray, and Eddie Jones present. Alderman Harrell was not present.
Residents’ and Visitors’ Business:
Willie Mae Micklin addressed the Board regarding a request to place a trailer within city limits at 207 North Avenue, providing a diagram for the Board’s review. Pamela Kimble of 1107 Second Street reported a tree that had fallen on a fence. Bradley Foster and Chad Robinson addressed the Board regarding a four-home project on Highway 43.
Department Discussions:
There were no reports discussed for Police, Maintenance, Clerk, or Zoning departments.
New Business:
The Board discussed and considered approval of the minutes from the Regular Board Meeting held on December 1, 2025. A motion was made by Alderman Eddie Jones and seconded by Alderman Diane Hill to approve the minutes, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Board then considered approval of the payment of the unpaid claims docket. A motion was made by Alderman Eddie Jones and seconded by Alderman David Gray. The vote resulted in a 2-2 tie, with Alderman Diane Hill voting nay. Mayor VanHorn voted to break the tie, and the motion passed.
The Board next discussed, considered, and voted to approve the disbursement of a bank draft payment to Morgan and White Insurance in the amount of $1,114.23 (secondary to BCBS). A motion was made by Alderman Eddie Jones and seconded by Alderman Diane Hill. The motion passed 3-1, with Alderman Sandra Harvey voting nay.
The Board then considered a bank draft payment to EMC Insurance in the amount of $6,509.53 for property insurance. A motion was made by Alderman Eddie Jones and seconded by Alderman David Gray, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed and considered approval of a bank draft payment to Blue Cross Insurance in the amount of $9,862.28. A motion was made by Alderman Eddie Jones and seconded by Alderman David Gray, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Board next discussed approval and ratification of payroll for December 2025, including General payroll in the amount of $120,434.53 and Enterprise payroll in the amount of $37,784.09. Alderman Hill requested a breakdown of the payroll. A motion to approve was made by Alderman Eddie Jones and seconded by Alderman David Gray, but Alderman Hill and Harvey voted no. The vote resulted in a 2-2 tie, which was broken by Mayor VanHorn to pass the motion.
The Board discussed and voted to approve a resolution to allow wastewater system repairs regarding the lagoon project. A motion was made by Alderman Eddie Jones and seconded by Alderman David Gray, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed and voted to approve the Section 3 Plan Resolution regarding MDA Authority. A motion was made by Alderman Eddie Jones and seconded by Alderman David Gray, and the motion passed unanimously.
Alderman Discussions:
Alderman Diane Hill asked about a $14,000 street repair bill. It was stated that this amount covered multiple projects. Alderman Sandra Harvey inquired about lines on repaved roads. Questions were also raised regarding shoring up pothole repairs on Highway 80 near the car wash.
Mayor VanHorn noted that the MS Rural Water Association class is required for Aldermen and must be taken at the 811 building. The Mayor also discussed the tornado sirens, noting that wiring is still needed on some of the sirens to get them working.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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