Animal shelter relocation stalled by unresolved City of Brandon approvals, supervisors seek meeting

Rankin County supervisors discussed difficulties advancing a bond-funded animal shelter relocation project that falls within the City of Brandon's municipal boundaries. At the June 12 meeting staff said county architects and project leads have been unable to secure clear direction from Brandon about permit requirements and site-specific constraints, and noted a waterline conflict on a separate district attorney site that likewise is blocking site work.

Board members expressed frustration that the project has not moved further despite available in-house construction capacity and a soil-disturbance permit; they urged more direct engagement with Brandon leadership to resolve the city's outstanding requests about site drawings, utility relocation and regulatory approvals. One supervisor said the county currently charges Brandon zero to house their animals at the county shelter and questioned the delay.

County staff and supervisors agreed to seek a meeting with the mayor and city staff to resolve the waterline relocation and clarify permitting so the bond project can proceed. The board also signaled it may involve multiple county staff and supervisors in that meeting to expedite decisions that will affect tight bond spending timelines.