Stone County Board of Supervisors Special Meeting Recap | May 26, 2026

This summary is intended to document what was discussed and decided during the meeting. It follows the agenda in order and reflects the substance of each item.

Supervisor Daniel Harris was not present.

1. Local and State Emergency Declarations for Flooding

Emergency Management Director discussed recent flooding, weather forecasts, and preparation for additional rain expected over the following several days.

Discussion included:

• Requests to submit both a local declaration of emergency (DR3) and a state declaration of emergency (DR4) related to flooding
• Current damage reports and flood conditions across Stone County
• State reimbursement thresholds for emergency declarations
• Tracking county expenses for possible reimbursement, including:
  • Equipment
  • Vehicles and mileage
  • Labor and overtime
  • Materials such as rock, sand, and gravel
• Flooding concerns in low-lying areas including Creekbank Road, Price Road, and areas near Red Creek
• Voluntary evacuation efforts for residents in flood-prone areas
• Campground relocations at Mill Creek Campground and Red Creek Campground
• Coordination with the Red Cross, City of Wiggins, law enforcement, fire departments, and first responders
• Emergency shelter planning at the Senior Citizens Center
• High water rescue preparation, including boats and emergency vehicles
• Communication plans among first responders if conditions worsen

Road Manager reported:

• Some roads had sustained damage, though conditions were not as severe as expected
• Creekbank Road and Stump Texas Road remained impacted by water
• Some residents were temporarily unable to leave due to driveway washouts.

Motion made and approved to submit both local and state emergency declarations.

Vote: 4–0

2. Opportunity Zone Designation Discussion

Representatives from the Economic Development Partnership (EDP) discussed a proposal to submit Stone County census tracts for consideration as federal Opportunity Zones.

Discussion included:

• Mississippi Development Authority outreach to counties regarding Opportunity Zone eligibility
• Federal designation of more than 400 eligible census tracts statewide, with approximately 100 to be selected by the governor
• Potential inclusion of census tracts tied to the industrial park and other areas in Stone County
• Opportunity Zone incentives related to capital gains tax treatment and business investment
• Potential use as a tool to attract business and industry
• Coordination among the county, city, and EDP to submit one countywide request rather than separate submissions
• Deadline for submission by the end of the week

EDP representatives stated Stone County did not submit for the previous Opportunity Zone cycle and discussed submitting a request for consideration during the current cycle.

Board discussion included support for EDP serving as the county’s representative for submission.

Motion made and approved to support EDP submitting an Opportunity Zone request on behalf of Stone County.

Vote: 4–0

Public Comments

No public comments.

Executive Session

Motion made and approved to determine the need for executive session.

Vote: 4–0

Motion made and approved to enter executive session for a contract matter.

Vote: 4–0