Wesson aldermen address water planning, mobile home rules and community projects

By Louise Vaughn

Water-system planning, mobile home requirements, the town budget and community improvements were among the matters addressed by the Wesson Board of Aldermen during its September 1 meeting. Alderman Stanley Martin was absent from the meeting.

The Board reviewed a water-rate study conducted by the Mississippi Rural Water Association to evaluate the Town’s current financial position and future water-system needs. Based on the study, it was determined that rates would need to increase by $3 per 2,000 gallons to generate the revenue needed to build an adequate reserve for future water-system expenses. No action was taken by the Board to implement the $3 increase.

Wesson’s existing water policy provides for a 2% annual water rate increase each October.

In a separate water matter, the Board approved an addendum to the Town’s water policy addressing newly-installed master meters at a privately owned mobile home park. The meters recently went into service, requiring a billing provision to be added to the policy.

The Board also approved requirements governing additional mobile homes brought into an existing mobile-home park. Newly-added units must have been manufactured within the previous five years and meet town permitting requirements. A bill of sale will be required to document the age of the mobile home. The action is separate from provisions governing replacement of grandfathered mobile homes elsewhere in Wesson.

A public hearing concerning property at 1044 Oak Street was scheduled for October 6 at 6 p.m. The hearing will determine whether the property should be declared a menance and public health hazard under Mississippi Code Section 21-19-11.

The Board approved the municipal budget following a public hearing held in August. An amendment to the current fiscal-year budget was also approved related to approximately $80,000 in grant funding. Officials explained that the reimbursement process associated with the grant required the budget amendment, a normal accounting procedure for reimbursable grant expenditures.

The Garden Club presented plans for improvements to the town park, including repairing the fountain, installing commercial-grade outdoor lighting, adding landscaping and ground cover, and purchasing two benches and a table. The Garden Club plans to fund those improvements through fundraising activities.