Resolution to back EV Battery plant

The Town of Byhalia board of aldermen has called two meetings since Jan. 19 to sign a resolution to furnish natural gas to the second largest capital investment project in the state of Mississippi – an electric vehicle battery manufacturing group to be located in the Chickasaw Trail Industrial Park.

Mississippi state legislators passed legislation on Jan. 18 for a $350 million in state taxpayer dollars to support the joint venture between Daimler Truck Holdings, PACCAR, and Cummings Truck Holdings.

A special meeting was held Friday, Jan. 19, at 9 a.m. for the signing of a resolution for the Town of Byhalia to furnish natural gas to the electric vehicle battery manufacturing site. Aldermen Kelly Crain, William Rose, and Mayor Pro Tempore Mike Hamblin were present at the first meeting. No quorum was present therefore, no action was taken.

On Monday, Jan. 22, at noon, the board convened again with aldermen Delainer Richmond, Rose, Crain, and Pro Tempore mayor Hamblin present, and alderman Toni Mayes-Moore attending by phone. The board announced the passing of the resolution to furnish the natural gas to the ev battery group.

Officials and dignitaries present at the meeting were town attorney Shirley Byers; deputy city clerk Thaddeus Purcell; Marshall County Industrial Development Authority Executive Director; Marshall County Board of Supervisors attorney Amanda Smith Whaley, and Marshall County Engineer Larry Britt.

The board approved several items on the agenda at the Jan. 16 regular meeting, but some were tabled due to deteriorating weather conditions.

Two applications were received for the town clerk’s position. After a lengthy discussion, Jennifer Moody was approved as the new town clerk.

The board hired Kenny Laughter as the new assistant police chief, effective Jan. 17.

Doug Royal, public works director, received permission to proceed with a one-time payment of $3,766 for implementing the new meter reading system.