Aldermen Unsure of Annexation

Courtsey of WRBE, "Your HomeTown Radio"
"Special Thanks" to Local Reporter Royce Armstrong, who assisted with this report.
Two issues topped the Lucedale Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday evening with debates and unanswered questions.
First, the Aldermen debated the annexation proposal, which will encompass an approximate two mile area on Beaver Dam Road. Many unanswered question swarmed the issue concerning water, sewage and fire protection for the annex area but to adopt an ordinance was passed with a 3/2 vote—Aldermen Peyton Dudley and Lloyd Welford voting against the issue until some of the concerned could be addressed. Several legal steps must be completed before the annexation is completed, including advertising and a public hearing.
The second debated item was the acceptance of the Old County Line School, located at the Lucedale City Park. The building is currently owned by the Lucedale Garden Club, who wishes to sign ownership over to the City of Lucedale.
Alderman Carrie Moulds expressed that she would like to see the building restored and designed an historical site.
According to Mayor Dayton Whites, the building was constructed in 1880 but exploration to secure possible grant funds to restore the building has been unsuccessful.
The Aldermen chose to continue the issue until next board meeting.
Other items of interest, included the renewal of the Jackson-George Regional Library contract, approving a resolution authorizing the city clerk and the mayor to apply for funding under the Small Municipality and Limited Population Grant to construct the Depot Street sewer.
The aldermen also approved spending $9,016.60 to purchase a sewer inspection camera system and $3,854 to purchase full coverage insurance for the new city-owned Senior Citizens bus.