Bank of Holly Springs

City to lease Sims property

The City of Holly Springs and ICS Head Start are in negotiations to lease Frazier I, II and III buildings on the historic Sims School property for a term of five years.

Aldermen voted unanimously to make an offer to ICS at a special called meeting.

"We are close to a final agreement," said Mayor Kelvin Buck.

The gym will not be leased and will continue to be used for special programs such as the after-school Youth Program and summer activities.

The mayor and board also discussed operations of departments during the COVID19 pandemic.

Alderman Christy Owens said the city is keeping department lobbies closed to the public, but department heads are still managing their work crews. Some water and sewage issues continue to crop up but employees are working through those problems.

"Crews are still using masks and social distancing," Owens said.

The Holly Springs Utility Department lobby has been closed but customers are making payments through the U.S. Mail, online, by the night deposit box, and by the use of the recently installed kiosk, she said.

"I just appreciate all our employees stepping up to the plate, especially the utility department workers," Owens said. "The utility workers are going out in the storms. I appreciate every time they go out, but I look forward to going back to regular hours."

Recent storms have caused employees to go to extra lengths to restore downed lines, according to HSUD general manager Bill Stone.

Alderman Mark Miller agreed and said HSUD has had lots of requests for new service as well. The city is helping employees work safely by having workers go to the work site one per truck, he said. And everyone who is not an essential worker has been staying at home.

The office staff at HSUD has been working as needed during this time, he said.

But the grass is growing and Buildings and Grounds crews are needing to get back out, he said. Those who are not reporting to work are still getting paid, Miller said.

Mayor Buck said the city is trying to phase in more people coming to work and still maintain social distancing.

"The board gave me authority to determine what is essential and what is not," he said.

HSUD is doing essential work and has never shut everything down, Buck said.

"We have just greatly restricted access," he said. "I want to really express my

appreciation to city employees and the Health Department and the state and federal governments as they continue to protect and serve the community," Buck said. "They've really done an outstanding job under difficult circumstances.

"And I want to thank the citizens and residents of Holly Springs for all their cooperation and thank the businesses as well."

Holly Springs South Reporter

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Holly Springs, MS 38635
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