CD: Aldermen spar over drainage project

TIM PRATT

The Starkville Board of Aldermen on Tuesday voted 4-2 to complete a number of infrastructure-improvement projects over the next two years, though work on an 850-foot section of culvert along Carver Drive prompted heated discussion.

The culvert borders the back yards of a number of homes, Ward 6 Alderman Roy A. Perkins said, and “is a detriment to the health, safety and welfare of the people there.” Perkins cited complaints of odor coming from standing water in the culvert and mosquito infestation.

Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver, Ward 4 Alderman Richard Corey and Ward 5 Alderman Jeremiah Dumas, however, were reluctant to devote city funds to the project, which would install pipe in the culvert and cover it, without researching it further. None of the men felt like they had enough information on the project, so Carver abstained from voting, while Dumas and Corey voted against it.

The culvert is in Ward 6 and Perkins said he has heard citizens’ complaints there for several years. A portion of the culvert is already covered, but the remaining 850 feet is open.

Perkins grew irritated Tuesday over what he perceived as resistance among board members to complete a project in his ward.

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