A lone opposing vote was cast this week when the Yazoo County Board of Supervisors purchased nearly half a million dollars’ worth of equipment.
District 2 Supervisor David Berry was the sole “no” vote in the county board purchasing about $450,000 worth of front-end loaders and backhoes. He said the purchase was an unnecessary expense, particularly with District 3 Supervisor Willie Wright wanting a piece of equipment for “only 14 miles of road.”
“Why do you need a $90,000 backhoe for 14 miles of road,” Berry asked Wright. “I’m just telling you. I can’t see it. You’re sitting there saying, ‘I got to have this because they are getting it.’ I just can’t see it.”
Berry said a backhoe is not needed at Wright’s district barn considering the amount of roadways within Wright’s district. Berry said Wright only wanted the piece of equipment because the other supervisors were interested in getting one for each of their districts.
“I’m trying to save taxpayer money,” Berry said. “I look at the needs of the county. I’m going to oppose it. I think we are buying one too many.”
“You’ve done lost your mind,” Wright replied to Berry.
From there, Berry said Wright should not even have his own district barn. He said Wright should operate out the main county barn near Four Points.
“I think your whole barn should be run out of there at Four Points at our main barn,” Berry said. “You got all those men down there, all these utilities. I ain’t lost my mind. I am just telling you how I feel.”
Berry then made the motion to move Wright’s barn to the main county barn.
“I’m letting you know right now that I don’t think it’s right,” Berry said. “I make a motion that we move his barn up to the county barn at Four Points. And do away with it. It’s a waste of taxpayer money.”
“You are politicking good today,” Wright replied. “You must have some candidates up in here today.”
The motion died for a lack of a second.
“I would have to consider it, but it’s been considered in the past,” said District 1 Supervisor Van Foster.
Berry said it doesn’t make sense for Wright to have a separate barn in such close proximity to the county’s main barn. He said it has been bothering him for some time.
“You got the right one,” Wright said. “I’m going show you how to politick. I’m gonna show you how it’s done.”
“Come on with it,” Berry replied.
