By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
May 2, 2004
Lauderdale County supervisors each played a role in the presentation made to Moody's Investors Services, a bond rating firm in New York, on March 26.
District 1
Supervisor Eddie Harper, board vice president, updated bond rating representatives on Naval Air Station Meridian, which he said has an annual payroll of $95
million. Harper said the bond rating firm had concerns about the future of the Navy base because of government base
closures scheduled next year.
Harper said recent infrastructure improvements at NAS Meridian include a new access road, installation of a new sewer line to the base and improvements to the four-lane of Stennis Drive.
District 2
Supervisor Jimmie Smith, who has made bond presentations before, said trips to New York to talk to the bond rating representatives are important. His presentation included and update on education and the medical community.
Smith said face-to-face communication is essential.
District 3
Supervisor Craig Hitt's presentation covered economic development, including an overview of existing industry and the possibility that more businesses may move to the area.
He said a consulting firm in Chicago presented a study last year that targeted Meridian as one of the of best locations for a four-warehouse network to serve North America.
Hitt said the study was commissioned by Higgins
Development Partners. It reviewed 10 weighted logistics factors and determined that Meridian is the best location to serve the Southeastern United States.
District 4
Supervisor Joe Norwood, board president, said he introduced fellow presenters and gave an overview of the county, including its economy.
District 5
Supervisor Ray Boswell did not accompany his colleagues on their New York City trip.
Other presenters
Presentations also touched on the county having an operating deficit of about $380,000 because the county used reserve funds to cover increases in insurance costs, payments for flood damage, and a loan to the garbage fund.
Rex Hiatt, County administrator, gave an update on county finances, Neal Carson, Lauderdale County engineer gave an update on work to be done on the roads with the $3.8 million loan.