By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
June 29, 2001
Lauderdale County supervisors appointed commissioners to the newly-created Dalewood Sewer District Thursday, provoking criticism from residents who have been opposed to the district from the onset.
At a regular meeting, supervisors appointed Guy Howard to a five-year term. Jimmy Robinson was appointed to serve four years, and Dr. Bill Carney was appointed to a three-year term. Sidney Covington was appointed to serve two years and George Buie was appointed to serve one.
Commissioners must either own land or conduct business within the district, and be above the age of 25. State law also requires they be bonded for $10,000.
District 1 Supervisor Hank Florey abstained from voting because he owns property within the district. Only District 5 Supervisor Ray Boswell voted against the appointments.
Beetle Huffmaster, who spoke on behalf of his mother at an earlier public hearing, told supervisors they had not been truthful.
Board President Jimmie Smith responded he never lied to Huffmaster, adding that Huffmaster's comment was "disrespectful."
He said Dalewood Property Owners Association board members misinformed residents, and all involved "totally ignored" what those opposed to forming the district had to say.
He said supervisors researched the matter.
In another matter, supervisors temporarily named the area's newest industrial park the "Meridian I-20/59 Industrial Park" for marketing purposes.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3275, or e-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.