By REVIS BLAYLOCK
NEA Town Courier
The Manila School Board renewed the financial advisor agreement with First Security at the Wednesday night meeting. Michael Dobbs with First Security spoke briefly to board members explaining his company is there to serve as financial advisors to the school and serve as agents when the school borrows money for projects or lease/purchases. The present three year agreement is set to expire in November.
There are no changes in the agreement. The fee will remain the same. If the District is borrowing money there is a fee for their services, if not, there is no fee.
First Security serves 60 percent of the Districts.
Superintendent Jason Evers said First Security has been good to work with.
“If we are borrowing or not, if we call with a question, they are there and give us advice with no charge,” Superintendent Evers said.
“It is a relationship,” Dobbs said. “We know most schools do not borrow money every year.”
Board president Monte Middleton commented that they are pleased to partner with First Security.
The board voted unanimously to renew the agreement with no changes.
Other board members present were Casey Wells, vice president, Dennis Crosskno, secretary, Tracey Reinhart, Jeremy Jackson and Brooke Chipman. Jackie Hill was not present.
Following an executive session, Evers recommended hiring Stephanie Barnes as custodian which passed 6-0.
On the recommendation of Evers, the board accepted Jonna Hamilton’s resignation as counselor, contingent on hiring a replacement or the district being granted a waiver.
The board also accepted the resignation of George Starkey, maintenance department.
Evers recommended adding a payline item for concession workers at $20 an hour which passed unanimously.
Evers gave the annual budget review for the fiscal year ending 2025. He said salaries will increase around $160,000 from last year. The operating expenses and revenue will balance. The debt service was reviewed as was the federal grants.
“We should end the year at $1.8 million, near the same as last year,” Evers said.
The board voted to approve the Mississippi County Mitigation Plan. Evers explained the plan has to be renewed every five years. FEMA requires each county to have a plan in place. The resolution was passed and signed.
The board approved several contract disclosures for teachers and board members that might possibly do business with the district.
Evers and the board recognized the boys and girls golf teams for their district championships. Lucy Farmer and Jaxson Churchill were medalists.
The board tentatively set the next regular meeting for Wednesday, Oct. 16, and will plan to have principal reports.