Coliseum improvements nearing completion
Improvements to the Neshoba County Coliseum that will help with disaster response and routine operations are nearly complete.
Last Monday, the Board of Supervisors approved the final payment of $90,329 to J & J Contractors for their work on the project.
The upgrades, which began in late October 2023, are set to finish on Jan. 31. Officials said that only vent placement remains before the project wraps up.
Key improvements to the coliseum include adding a new storage area on the south side of the building that will allow convenient access to coliseum equipment without requiring navigation around the facility.
This upgrade also provides covered loading and unloading during inclement weather, particularly when the floor is down and vehicle access is restricted.
The HVAC system has been upgraded with new package units, a conversion to LP gas for more efficient heating, and the replacement of an outdated split system at the back of the Coliseum.
Emergency shelter capabilities have also been enhanced with the addition of four showers and a commercial washer and dryer. These features will not only help with disaster response efforts but also increase functionality during events.
Supervisors have also approved payments for the ongoing fire alarm replacement project at the Coliseum. United Automation received $68,276 for completed work, and Pryor Morrow was paid $4,078 for their work as well.
“The fire alarm replacement project at the Coliseum is continuing with much of the wiring placed and many of the devices terminated,” said County Administrator Jeff Mayo.
In other business, supervisors voted to:
• Approve terminating a deputy from the Sheriff’s Department due to failure to complete basic training through MLEOTA;
• Approve a payment for the 2025 Mississippi Sheriff’s Association dues for $1,000;
• Approve a sub-grantee budget modification request for fiscal year 2025 and an impaired driving grant application for fiscal year 2026 with the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety for the Sheriff’s Department;
• Approve reimbursing $194 to Wayne County inmate Kelsi Feliciano;
• Approve a permit request from the Central Water Association to place a road bore along Road 399;
• Approve adopting the Road Department’s four-year road improvement plan for 2025-2028;
• Approve terminating a man from the Road Department, effective Jan. 21;
• Approve payment of $23,350 to Crowder Engineering for preliminary engineering services on the bridge project, SABP-50 (01);
• Approve a mutual aid agreement with the Naval Air Station in Meridian for firefighting assistance;
• Approve the resignation of Fairview Volunteer Fire Department Commissioner Tammy Graham, effective Jan. 15;
• Approve hiring Davis Purdy Architects for architectural services for the Burnside Improvement Project at the cost of $25,000;
• Approve appointing Larry McMullan as the District 3 Industrial Development Authority board member.