Powell hired as county administrator

Tim Powell of Pontotoc has been hired to replace Marshall County administrator Larry Hall, who resigned after nearly 30 years. Hall served as administrator and road manager.

Powell has worked with the Office of State Auditor since 2003. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s of accountancy. He joined the OSA team in the County Division.

He transferred to the Investigative Division six years ago.

He is also a graduate of the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Academy.

In 2018, Powell won the Top Cop award, an honor given to investigators who go above and beyond the call of duty.

In his role as county compliance auditor, Powell audited Marshall County while working in the Financial and Compliance Division, where he served 12 years.

He said the financial audit makes sure the statements prepared by the CPA are presented correctly. The compliance audit report assures the county is in compliance with the state laws.

At age 40 and single, Powell plans to move to Marshall County from Friendship, a small community near Ecru.

He is described by Hall as “a big ole country boy with common sense, with a mild personality, and a poker face.”

“He’ll be good for the county as far as budgeting for growth,” Hall said. “He’s very professional.” Moving forward, Powell will bring his expertise to the board of supervisors in making development decisions, Hall said.

“It’s a pivot point for me for sure to sit on the other side of the table,” Powell said. “County government is all I know.”

Powell’s parents are Mike and Brenda Powell. His dad, once a business owner, serves as full-time pastor at Ellistown Baptist Church in east Union County.

His forebears on his mother’s side were farmers and on his father’s side were carpenters in residential construction.

Powell has one brother and a sister.

He said he has a connection with the soil and outdoors. His favorite hobbies include hunting, fishing and boating.

With the Investigations Division of OSA, Powell was instrumental in serving over $580,000 in demands. He assisted in the recovery of more than 75 illegally-obtained guns purchased with public money in Ecru.

In a media report, then state auditor Stacey Pickering praised Powell and his “aggressive pursuit of public corruption.”

He interviewed for the county administrator’s position Thursday, Aug. 5, and the board of supervisors approved offering him the job by a vote of 3-2, with supervisors George Zinn III and Keith Taylor voting no.