Wesson Addresses Vandalism, Budget Actions, and Infrastructure Decisions at April Meeting
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Special to Wesson News
Curbing vandalism at Wesson Municipal Park requires the assistance of park users who see it happening and reporting it to police right away, Aldermen agreed at their April meeting.
The vandalism is occurring in park bathrooms and at the Veterans Memorial, and probably unsupervised youth are culprits, Mayor Alton Shaw said.
“Too often the vandalism isn’t reported until several days after it occurs,” noted Alderman Mike King. “Daily reports from citizen volunteers who walk through the park at the same time would help police pinpoint the time it is happening.”
The most helpful thing people can do, however, is “to say something when they see something,” Mayor Shaw said.
At the April meeting, Police Chief Chad O’Quinn also reported to Aldermen that he is trimming his staff, and recommended reducing service of Officers Clint Earl and Erin Love from full-time to part-time. The Aldermen approved the recommendation, along with annual Police Chief Conference dues and training costs for the Chief and a deputy.
Also speaking at the meeting was Albert Turnage, a Lawrence County attorney who talked about his candidacy for a new Circuit Judge position in a district that encompasses Copiah County.
In other actions, the Aldermen voted to:
Authorize a 2024 audit as the Town continues to catch up with reports unfiled by a previous Auditor.
Declare two fire trucks and 500 replaced water meter surplus property so they can be sold.
Approve $3629 to replace three doors at the Old School Community Center.
Approve opening a closed section of Briar Street to access property.
The Town of Wesson wants to do something to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4, but it doesn’t know what yet.
“We’re looking for ideas,” Mayor Alton Shaw announced. “We want to do something celebratory that will respect the occasion and not distract from it.”