Board authorizes ARPA reimbursement payments and grants authority to sign election‑equipment agreement

Rankin County officials told the board on Nov. 26 that construction for ARPA‑funded projects is complete and reimbursements are beginning to arrive, and commissioners authorized staff to use those reimbursements to make payments on a line of credit taken to finish the work.

"We're starting to get reimbursements back," county official Keith Hicks said, explaining the county had taken a line of credit to finish ARPA projects and was now seeking authority to make payments to Community Bank as receipts arrive. A motion to approve that approach was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Hicks also asked the board for authority to execute a master agreement with Hart InterCivic to purchase new election equipment. He said the election commission reviewed the vendor quote and that some scanner quantities were adjusted to ensure sufficient equipment for the upcoming large election. Commissioners discussed paying from bond proceeds versus general funds; staff said state election funds are also available to offset costs. The board approved authority to execute the agreement by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will execute the master agreement with Hart InterCivic, proceed with procurement and apply incoming ARPA reimbursements to the line of credit as authorized. The county will prepare for the next major election with updated equipment as described.