Road safety worries board

Speeders on north/south county roads Red Banks, Taska and Cayce, plus Highway 311 and Highway 72, are a big concern for members of the Marshall County Board of Super visors.

District 2 supervisor Eddie Dixon wants state help in widening some north/south roadways to relieve some of the congestion – both cars and big trucks.

“He’s worried about lethal accidents,” District 1 supervisor Charles Terry said. “We want something to slow traffic down. We need to find out how to expand these roads to three or four lanes. We need to do something for the future. Eventually it comes a time to expand.”

“If we just had a police car parked to slow them down,” Dixon said.

County engineer Larry Britt said the north end of Red Banks Road south of Highway 302 and a section from the Coldwater River up to 302 could be widened.

Former county administrator Larry Hall said one of the most dangerous sections of Red Banks Road is between Rabbit Ridge Road to the Coldwater bottom.

Construction for another lane is not cheap, Britt said. It costs close to $1 million a mile.

“I know the sheriff’s department can’t write tickets,” said District 4 supervisor George Zinn III.

Sheriff Kenny Dickerson said he could have deputies write tickets but many tickets will probably get challenged in justice court.

State troopers have radar but deputies do not, he said.

“Trucks are going 80 to 90 miles an hour. It’s being able to legally use it. The legislature has to give the authority for counties to do it,” Dickerson said.

“It’s been kicked around in the legislature for 20 years,” Britt said.

Terry said the county can put on a band aid or increase traffic lanes.

“I don’t see it getting any better,” he said.

“But you will have more traffic if you add lanes,” said county administrator Tim Powell.

Hall said the county has worked on plans to get Red Banks Road four-laned.

“We’ve looked at improvements. You can almost get more out of a three-lane,” said Britt.

“A glorified two-lane would be better,” Hall said. “Getting right-of-way is crucial and easier to get on Red Banks than other roads.”

“Coldwater River bridge is two-lane and would be a problem,” Britt said.

Housing for ambulances

Supervisors discussed creating housing for ambulances in the various districts. Currently there is an ambulance station at the Byhalia Substation and in Holly Springs.

Powell estimated a 40 foot by 60 foot building would be adequate for two ambulances with a concrete bay area, and a fire truck, too, if needed. The building may be constructed for $150,000, he said. A station at Mt. Pleasant Head Start Center would involve a cover for ambulances and renovation of space for living quarters.

The new substation to be built in the Chickasaw Trail Industrial Park would be more elaborate and house law enforcement and fire fighters and associated equipment.

“When it comes time to fund, it would help if industries would chip in,” Taylor said.

Living quarters for ambulance crews require separate sleeping and bathroom facilities, Terry said.

Chancery clerk Chuck Thomas said Dr. Kenneth Williams is being approached about the use of an ambulance substation site at Alliance Hospital. He said Willams expressed his willingness to accommodate the ambulance service.

Terry said that site would fulfill the requirement to have a station in his district.

Powell suggested a separate meeting be held to draw up an overall plan for the new ambulance stations, dimensions and cost estimates.

The board passed a motion to enter negotiations with Alliance and to authorize Powell to discuss the matter with the hospital.

Zinn brought up his concern about mandating masks for zoning meetings and holding meetings elsewhere for social distancing or having a sheriff’s deputy monitor for mask compliance.

He made a motion to the effect, seconded by Terry. The motion passed 4-1 with Taylor voting against the mask mandate.

After the vote, Terry said he has no problem with seating at the zoning department if masks are worn.

“Some people have underlying health issues. I feel wearing a mask would help,” Zinn said.

After Zinn suggested approaching the City of Holly Springs for use of the MultiPurpose Center for zoning meetings, Jones opposed the suggestion.

“In meetings, I have to have my files, if we have to look up anything during the meeting,” Jones said.

The zoning board and secretary and attorney sit up front away from visitors. The audience is seated 10 to 15 feet away, he said.