Supes fill two vacant manager positions

The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors filled two vacant positions at its meeting Monday.

Longtime Deputy Emergency Management Director Kristen Campanella was unanimously promoted to emergency manager. She replaces Former Emergency Manager Shank Phelps, who retired in June.

Campanella started as a dispatcher in 2001, and was appointed deputy director in 2003. She holds several certifications, including being a Mississippi certified emergency manager.

“I'm thankful for the opportunity,” Campanella said. “I greatly appreciate the vote of confidence from the Board of Supervisors, and I look forward to serving as the director.”

Campanella told the SDN she plans to make some changes, including staffing changes and starting some new projects. She said she would also have to appoint a deputy director.

The board also hired former Lowndes and Leflore County Road Manager Hal Baggett as the new Oktibbeha County Road Manager. Baggett will replace Victor Collins, who retired March 31 after a 30-year career with the county.

Baggett was hired by a 3 to 2 vote, with District 1 Supervisor John Montgomery and District 4 Supervisor Bricklee Miller both in staunch opposition.

“We had very qualified candidates, and I feel like we had better choices for moving the county forward in a positive direction,” Miller said. "Several had not only engineering experience, but extensive management and budget experience.”

Montgomery and Miller said their opposition stemmed from Baggett's age and past record of employment, as well as his interview and concerns about training of road department employees.

“I believe he's capable to handle this job,” said Board President Orlando Trainer.

District 3 Supervisor Marvell Howard said the board had a responsibility to step back and let Baggett do his job, and reminded the board that they had the power to terminate Baggett if need be.

Following an executive session with no action taken, supervisors voted 3 to 2 against firing road department secretary Christy Larry for violating county policy by posting personnel records on social media. Howard, Trainer and District 5 Supervisor Joe Williams opposed the measure.

The board also received an update on the OCH request for proposals (RFP) from consultant Ted Woodrell. Woodrell said the data room was approximately 75 percent full, and that some of the respondents had asked for tours of OCH.

The board approved a referendum on the sale or lease of OCH on June 5. It will take place in November.

In addition, the board received an extensive update on bridge inspections and other projects from County Engineer Clyde Pritchard.