Road sign theft is a widespread problem in Yazoo County, and emergency responders are afraid it’s going to cost someone’s life.
District 2 Supervisor David Berry recently had 14 new signs put up to replace stolen signs. Eleven of them were gone within a week.
The problem persists all over the county.
“Every month we’re dealing with stolen signs,” said District 1 Supervisor Van Foster.
“I’ve had to have signs laminated as temporary replacements in my district,” said Board President Cobie Collins.
Replacing stolen signs is a drain on county resources, but county leaders are more concerned about the public safety threat. Emergency responders can lose valuable time looking for a road without a sign. That lost time can be the difference between life and death.
“It’s bad when you see an ambulance sitting on the side of the road because they are trying to figure out where to go,” Foster said.
“It’s a serious problem,” said District 4 Supervisor Jayne Dew.
The board approved tougher penalties Monday that include:
* A fine of up to $1,000.
* Assessments for damages.
* Community service.
* Up to 10 days in jail.
Yazoo County Crimestoppers has also agreed to offer rewards for information leading to the arrest of someone stealing county road signs.
“Somebody’s gonna turn their own cousin in,” said District 3 Willie “Deuce” Wright.
In other business during Monday’s meeting:
* The board approved the plans for construction of the District 3 fire station and agreed to accept bids.
* County Administrator Donna Kraft reported that former District 1 Supervisor Caleb Rivers wanted the county to provide insurance to him for the month of January because he was still supervisor until midnight of January 3.
“He said he doesn’t want the pay, but he wants the insurance because he’s due it,” Kraft said.
Rivers was defeated by incumbent Van Foster in the November 2015 election. Kraft said that the county has never provided insurance to a former elected official during the first following month of their departure before.
Board Attorney Jay Barbour advised the board to grant Rivers’ request.
* Willye Neal Thomas updated the board on a grant application for the 18-county area represented by the Delta Strategic Initiative. Thomas said the group hopes to secure grant funding that would expand broadband access in the area and provide training and education.
