SUPERVISORS

bridge and road budget is $6,460.52. Supervisors discussed if the funds would come out of the four-year road plan budget or through its bond money.

"I think that needs to be noted because that's expenses that we're spending that we are going to need when it comes to the road billing time," Miller said.

Miller said the road department is already over its budget and questioned why an office employee was getting 27 hours of overtime.

"We are already having to do board orders to put money into the budget, so we need to make sure that we are appropriately watching the spending of the overtime," Miller said.

Baggett said the roads deteriorated fast during the harsh winter months, which required overtime.

"I was unaware that the board approved overtime and there never came a time when they disapproved overtime," Baggett said. "This was not something that I slipped through."

Miller noted the employees getting overtime were not foremen, and Baggett responded saying the employees were doing necessary work. Both Baggett and Miller went back and forth.

"It looks like extensive overtime," Miller said. "It is extensive," Baggett exclaimed. "The weather was extensive."

During the meeting, there was concern Baggett had only spoken with President of the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors Orlando Trainer and District 5 Supervisor Joe Williams about the construction plans for the summer.

Baggett said he normally only speaks to the supervisors whose districts will be involved the most.

However, Baggett said he doesn't contact Miller due to her personality.

“I'm just going to say this to get it out there," Baggett said. "In your particular case Mrs. Miller, it's very difficult to talk to you. Personally, and this is my opinion, my personal opinion you're persona appears to be when I talk to you as of late one of intimidation, bullying and so frankly, that's why I have not communicated with you."

Board Attorney Rob Roberson asked Baggett to have meetings with each supervisor so it doesn't look like information isn't being shared.

"If questioning excessive unauthorized spending of taxpayer's dollars makes me a bully, then I'm guilty," Miller told the Starkville Daily News. "I was elected to oversee taxpayer's dollars and follow the laws and I will continue to do that."

Miller said she thinks Baggett's comments were unprofessional and the reason he has not contacted her is due to her disagreement on plans.

"My perception of that is because he had called me two times before and I did not support him on items," Miller said.

Trainer said although there was a "colorful" conversation over the Road Department and where the money will come from, all great things have great concerns.

As for some of Miller's comments, Trainer said she needs to lay out all of the facts accurately before bringing them to the table.

"She brings an element to the board that may be a little different from some of the other members," Trainer said. "I think it's healthy, I think it's healthy that the road manager knows that he's going to have somebody that's going to hold him accountable, hold his feet to the fire."