By Shaun McInnish, Sr., City Beat Writer, Pelahatchie News
The June 2026 Pelahatchie Mayor and Board of Aldermen regular meeting was held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Town Hall.
Mayor Karl Vanhorn presided and called the meeting to order. Alderwomen Diane Hill and Sandra Harvey, along with Aldermen David Gray, Eddie Jones, and James Harrell, were in attendance.
Carter Smith:
Carter Smith addressed the board regarding his campaign for Circuit Court Judge, seeking to fill the seat of the retiring Judge Mills. Smith highlighted his 20 years of practicing law, including previous public defender work, emphasizing the need for a candidate with strong trial court experience.
Department Discussions:
Police Department:
The board discussed and considered the purchase of Flock surveillance cameras and license plate readers for the police department to be installed in entrances into the town. The equipment will be paid for mostly by the Department of Homeland Security for two years, with a three-month wait expected for installation, and with any additional amounts needed would be paid out of the seizure fund. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve, and Alderman Gray seconded the motion. The measure passed with a 5-0 vote.
New Business:
The board discussed, considered, and voted to approve the minutes from the previous regular board meeting held on May 4, 2026. Alderwoman Hill made the motion to approve. The measure passed with all in favor.
The board discussed, considered, and voted to approve the minutes from the previous special board meeting held on May 18, 2026. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve, and Alderman Gray seconded the motion. The measure passed with all in favor.
The board discussed, considered, and voted to approve the payment of the unpaid claims docket. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve, and Alderman Gray seconded the motion. The measure passed with a 3-2 vote.
The board discussed, considered, and voted to approve the disbursement of a bank draft payment to Morgan and White Insurance in the amount of $1,061.66, which is secondary to BCBS and utilized the AmFirst Card. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve, and Alderman Gray seconded the motion. The measure passed with all in favor.
The board discussed, considered, and voted to approve a bank draft payment to EMC Insurance for property insurance in the amount of $7,099.13. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve, and Alderman Gray seconded the motion. The measure passed with all in favor.
The board discussed, considered, and voted to approve a bank draft payment to Blue Cross Insurance in the amount of $8,534.16. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve, and Alderman Harrell seconded the motion. The measure passed with all in favor.
The board discussed the approval and ratification of the payment of payroll for May 2026, which included $72,246.09 for the General fund and $28,385.34 for the Enterprise fund. Alderman Jones made the motion to approve the payroll, and Alderman Gray seconded the motion. The measure passed with a 3-2 vote.
Executive Session:
The board entered into an executive session to discuss a single personnel matter within the Police Department. Alderman Jones made the motion to enter the session, and Alderwoman Hill seconded the motion. The measure passed with all in favor, and the board entered the session at 6:15 PM. Upon exiting the executive session at 6:22 PM, Town Attorney Banks stated that a hire had been made.
Alderman Discussions and Adjournment:
Alderwoman Hill asked about the status of local streets and playground equipment, and mayor noted that street lights are being marked again this weekend to be repaired. Alderwoman Hill also inquired about clearing the voter rolls. Attorney Banks advised referring the matter to the elections commission.
Alderwoman Harvey asked about hosting a movie night in the park.
Alderman Jones reminded the community of the Fourth of July celebration planned for Friday, July 3. The town will serve hamburgers and hot dogs, and is currently looking for donations of watermelons. Jones also reminded attendees that it is the first day of hurricane season and advised residents to plan ahead.
Mayor VanHorn noted that the Mississippi Rural Water class starts on June 16. He also reminded graduating MML members to get their paperwork submitted.
With no further business from Aldermen Gray or Harrell, Alderwoman Hill made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Jones seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 6:33 PM.
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