Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Hinds Supes are at it again (video):

Not satisfied with trying to hire a disgraced lawyer as a lobbyist or throwing millions of dollars at Airwave, the Hinds County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to pay Malachi Financial Products to study the county budget and make recommendations on how the county can save money.

There is no contract for the study. No limit on the amount to be paid to Malachi was mentioned. The board approved the retention of Malachi by a 3-2 vote. Supervisor Doug Anderson was not present but voted via telephone.* The study will also include a review of the E911 fund. The company currently enjoys a $200,000 contract with the county to develop an economic impact study for the Byram-Clinton corridor project. This contract generated some controversy after Supervisors Phil Fisher and Peggy Hobson-Calhoun argued numerous studies had already been developed and the county had already received $33 million in federal grants for the project. Mr. Fisher called both studies "fee generators" for Malachi. Earlier post on "study".

Larry Day of Malachi told the board it could study each department and determine where savings could be made. He claimed the company did the same for Jackson in 2003 to help the city reduce its deficit. Mr. Fisher and Ms. Calhoun took issue with his claims as they cited his work, or rather supposed work, on the Byram-Clinton corridor study. They alleged the county paid Malachi $66,000 for a report that was merely census information reprinted and submitted to the board. Mr. Day said Malachi was conducting the study in "three phases" and that was merely phase I.

Note: The meeting grew comical at times as Supervisor Stokes loudly complained he didn't know where the E911 money was "going". He said first money was going to the EOC department, it was going to the Chancery Clerk, then it was going to this person and that person. Apparently Mr. Stokes does not known the Chancery Clerk is the treasurer for the county and all monies first go to her office before they are distributed to the appropriate departments. 22:40 in the video. Just watch it. You can't make this up.





*Mr. Anderson did not call in to discuss items he placed on the agenda.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

*** Hinds County ... #1 Laughing Stock County of Mississippi ... and A World of Difference! ***

Anonymous said...

There are good and smart people at JSU, and someone in the sociology and/or economics department (maybe a masters/phd student) would make something real and marketable for themselves if they developed real ideas for Hinds.

Why not recruit these people for research? I understand that getting novel ideas implemented through Hinds governmental agencies is, well difficult, but if the search is for IDEAS, then this seems to a be a no-brainer but maybe I'm missing something.

(And no, I'm not missing mismanagement or even personalities on the Board - but there must be something to combat the perception set out by 7:06).

Anonymous said...

@22:52 Stokes "I don't know what's right or wrong, that's why we need to hire somebody". That sums it up completely...

Anonymous said...

Yep....Kenny spoke the truf.

Anonymous said...

It isn't perception 8:12, it is reality.

Anonymous said...

Shocked, SHOCKED that Graham and Stokes didn't ask the MBA brain trust at Millsaps to do this study.

Anonymous said...

We are so far past "perception" that it is sickening. The poster child for Jackson and Hinds County is a Stokes. Well, it would take a gigantic poster, of course.

Anonymous said...

It is unfortunate that Stokes hasn't been criminalized. There's something called generally accepted accounting procedures, operating statements and balance sheets. If the chancery clerk is responsible for distribution of funds, where are what is his obligations for control. They don't need Malachi, just a good CPA or tax attorney. If Malachi continues with Stokes without a contract, they'll get the same kick in the ass the bus company got.

Burke said...

We are at the mercy of Graham, Stokes and the Zombie. Graham is cynical in the knowledge that the citizens of Hinds County are powerless to stop him. His hubris will catch up with him, but how long, O Lord? How long?

What's most sad is that our non-news newspaper sits by and lets this happen without any significant comment or investigation. Come on, WLBT, give Cheryl Lasseter some help!

Anonymous said...

Somebody answer me. Is there a manner in which to petition a state or federal agency to audit, or investigate the county's affairs?

Anonymous said...

Is it possible to petition a state or federal agency to audit or investigate Hinds County?

Alfredeaux said...

Interesting to hear Stokes admit that he does not know where the money is going. How the citizens of Hinds County can continue to let him try to make financial decisions that affect them when he apparently cannot handle his own financial obligations (Louisiana bus company bill) is unbelievable. Mr. Stokes has proven time after time that he does not mind spending money, as long as it comes from the taxpayers and not his own. Jackson, MS and Hinds county may be the only place where the citizens are foolish enough to tolerate his antics and pompous behavior.

Anonymous said...

Yes-- you CAN request a federal agency audit of Jackson. Any city, state, or organization awarded $500,000 or more in any federal award(s) must perform a Single Audit and complete an audit form for every fiscal year.

Contact the (federal) Inspector General. Seriously. You should.



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If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

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