Video: Starkville Board Of Alderman Face Full Agenda In Tuesday Meeting

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – It was a long night for the Board of Alderman as they talked about making major decisions for the city.

From future plans for the police station to infrastructure repair, eventually, tensions ran high towards the conclusion of the meeting.

It all started with recommendations to improve an aging infrastructure in the city of Starkville.

That conversation alone lasted nearly one hour.

Then, board members moved to approve a $3 million dollar bond intent notice, which would fund several capital improvement projects, such as, draining systems and street paving.

A water rate increase was approved. That could generate around $200,000 in revenue.

Ward 5 alderman, Scott Maynard, says customers will barely feel the rate increase.

“The 5 percent increase in water rates is not a significant cost. This month it would have increased my bill 70 cents,” said Alderman Scott Maynard.

Maynard says it’s best to address infrastructure issues little by little to avoid a big hit for tax payers.

“We want to be proactive and address this issue as we go along so it doesn’t become so burdensome on the tax payer,” added Maynard.

The future of the police station is still up in the air.

It all comes down to the bottom line.  Next week, aldermen expect to see plans, costs and recommendations for police facilities from a local architect.

But the real tension came when the board appointed an interim fire chief.

Battalion Chief, Curtis Randle’s, name was listed on the agenda for approval as interim.

But following an executive session, Aldermen voted to name Fire Marshal, Mark McCurdy, instead.

Vice-Mayor, Roy Perkins, says he believes there are underlying reasons to why Randle wasn’t appointed the position.

“I thought the city of Starkville has gotten to the point in 2015 where we would look at things on his merits. I said ‘ well if you’re not going to make this appointment based on experience and background and seniority and qualification, there is only one reason and that one reason is unlawful,'” said Vice-Mayor Roy Perkins.

McCurdy was selected in a 4 – 2 vote, he will assume the interim position on Feburary 27th.

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