Electing new board officers and discussion about receiving $189,750 from the CARES Act highlighted discussion during the Coahoma County Tourism board meeting Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Roger Stolle, who previously was vice president, was elected board president. Board member Bill Gresham was the board president for the past year. Willis Frazer, who joined the board following Madge Howell’s resignation, is the new vice president. Wilhelmina Newson remained the board secretary.
Elections are held every October at the beginning of a new fiscal year.
Coahoma County Tourism executive director Bubba O’Keefe said currently he and Stolle are on the signature cards to write checks.
“This is a budget schedule we had to submit to the state for these funds,” O’Keefe said.
O’Keefe talked about using some of the funds for digital media, video and broadcast ads. He added broadcast material could include billboards.
“This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” O’Keefe said.
O’Keefe also brought up having a 46-inch touch screen kiosk in the lobby of the tourism office where tourists can come in and create their own itinerary. He also said there could be a phone app with something similar.
Board member Al Jones said the internet was out of date in the tourism office as it had been in the past.
“Our internet service is up to date now,” O’Keefe said.
O’Keefe plans to have more details on how the money will be spent during the November board meeting.
“I’ll have that budget for you next month,” O’Keefe said.
Board attorney Ed Peacock said O’Keefe and Stolle can meet to approve purchases from the CARES Act funds since a special meeting is not always possible.
“All expenditures that we make have to be approved by the state,” Peacock said.
Under previous leadership, Jones said important information was not always available. He recommended having three individuals on a committee to determine CARES Act expenses.
“There needs to be another person there,” Jones said.
Following some discussion, the board agreed to add Frazer to the disbursement committee. O’Keefe, Stolle and Frazer are now on the committee. However, just two signatures are needed for checks.
“A more detailed plan will be submitted to the board before the next meeting,” Peacock said.
In other business:
The board discussing receiving payments from former tourism executive director Kappi Allen, who was convicted of embezzlement in Coahoma County Circuit Court.
It was ruled she stole more than $90,000 and must pay back the money she embezzled.
Peacock reported Allen is paying $500 a month.
“First, she has to pay approximately $1,200 in court costs,” Peacock said. “I’ll keep you posted.”
Peacock reported Allen paid $500 on Sept. 5. However, during the Oct. 14 meeting, Peacock reported Allen had not made her October payment. He said he was giving her until Oct. 20 to pay before calling her probation officer.
Peacock reported on Tuesday Allen paid the board $250 a day or two after the meeting. He said the agreement was for her to pay $250 around the 15th or 16th and the other $250 at the end of the month.
“She paid $250 without my calling,” Peacock said.
“Right now, she’s paying as agreed.
“She paid around the 15th or 16th. She’s paying as agreed.”
While Allen is making her payments as agreed, Peacock said he would contact her probation officer if that changed.
“Now, my goal is to call by the end of the month if she hasn’t paid,” Peacock said.
