City Beat: Mayor, Alderman meeting for February 3, 2025

By Shaun McInnish, Sr., City Beat Writer, Pelahatchie News

The Pelahatchie Board of Aldermen held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Town Hall. Mayor Karl Vanhorn called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

New Business:
The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on February 3, 2025. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Harrell seconded it, and the motion passed with all in favor except Alderman Harvey.

The board voted to approve the payment of the unpaid claims docket, with Alderman Warren making the motion and Alderman Jones seconding it. The motion passed with all in favor.

The board approved a bank draft payment to Morgan and White Insurance for $971.27. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Hill seconded it, and the motion passed unanimously.

A payment of $8,293.24 to Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance was approved, with Alderman Harrell making the motion and Alderman Jones seconding it. The motion passed with all in favor.

The board also approved a payment of $5,916.31 to EMC Property Insurance. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Harrell seconded it, and the motion passed unanimously.

Additionally, the board approved the February 2025 payroll, which included $72,526.23 from the General Fund and $26,913.84 from the Enterprise Fund. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Harrell seconded it, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Department Discussions:
Pelahatchie Police Chief Robert Mahaffey requested a reimbursement of $150. Alderman Jones made the motion, Alderman Hill seconded it, and the motion passed with all in favor.

There were no reports from the maintenance, clerk, or zoning departments.

Executive Session:
A motion was made by Alderman Jones and seconded by Alderman Hill for the board to enter an executive session at 6:07 p.m. to address personnel matters within the Police Department and Election Commission. Details of the discussions were not disclosed. The board returned to the meeting room at 6:18 p.m.

Discussions:
Mayor Vanhorn announced that three town public hearings were scheduled for the following day. (Editor’s note: Due to weather conditions, these hearings have been rescheduled to Monday, March 31, 2025.)

Alderman Jones thanked the town for the new asphalt that had recently been poured.

Mayor Vanhorn also noted that only four months remained in the town’s current administration and emphasized that no agreements would be binding on the next administration after July 1, 2025.

The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m. The next regular board meeting is set for Monday, April 7, 2025, at Town Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in local governance. Additionally, the three public hearings will be held at Town Hall on Monday, March 31, 2025.