The state’s new open-carry gun law drew discussion at Monday’s Lincoln County Board of Supervisors meeting.

After House Bill 2, which clarified the definition of a concealed weapon, the Mississippi Attorney General’s office released an opinion that sheriffs, as custodians of the courtroom, are responsible for determining whether or not weapons will be allowed inside courthouses.

Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Rushing has decided not to allow guns to be carried in the courthouse.

The new open carry law, which was supposed to take effect Monday, currently was stopped by an injunction; however, the state attorney general has asked for the injunction to be overturned (see related story on page one).

The Brookhaven-Lincoln County Government complex currently has signs displayed warning that firearms are prohibited. The Board of Supervisors on Monday decided to issue a temporary order to restrict guns as much as possible from county buildings.

Joe Cox, new mayor of Brookhaven, stopped by the meeting and also discussed the firearm policy. He said he would like to work with the county to restrict firearms at playgrounds and recreational facilities. Bob Allen, county attorney, said the restrictions may be difficult.

“Case law is not in our favor,” Allen said.

The Rev. Jerry Wilson, District One supervisor, thanked Cox for attending the meeting.

“We appreciate you coming,” he said. “It’s a good sign for us working together.”

The supervisors also heard from Donna Foster, of Ability Works, who requested assistance in the upgrade of the agency’s building.

She said certain renovations are necessary “due to deteriorating conditions of the building, and it not being proper maintained.”

Among the biggest financial help needed is to replace the carpet, which has been in place for over 16 years, and the lighting, she said. The building is owned by the county and leased to Ability Works for $5,000 per year. The board decided to send a maintenance man to evaluate the site and to come up with an estimate on costs.

“Ability works does great things for the community,” Tillmon Bishop, chancery clerk, said at the end of the presentation.

The supervisors also heard from Tax Assessor/Tax Collector Rita Goss, who presented the updated land rolls to the board. The rolls are currently being held in the county boardroom. Goss encourages people to come and verify the information in them between now and the end of the month.

In August, the rolls will become permanent record, and it will be difficult to change any information. Goss said anyone interested in reviewing the records can make an appointment with the tax collector’s office.

Anyone who thinks a correction should be made should talk to Mason Smith, real property appraiser for the county. He said the records are available anytime of the year, but he does not recommend waiting.

“This is the time to talk to me, now,” he said.

Smith can be reached at his office at 601-823-9347.

Dee Bates, district attorney, informed the board of a federal funding cut beginning July 1, 2014. Bates said in the best case scenario, the district will see a 15 percent cut in funding to the victims assistance coordinator position. Right now, the district attorney’s office is currently matching 20 percent of the funding.

“I may be early, but I want you to be well aware that is looming,” he said.

Bates stressed the importance of that job to victims, especially those of violent crimes. Sheriff Rushing encouraged the supervisors’ support.

“She’s helped us out a lot; so anyway we can help her out,” he said.

Bates predicts he will know more by January.

In other county business, the county voted to change the name of Breeze Lane to Blessings Lane. They also discussed the changing the names of a couple of roads in District Three.

The reason for the change is that a couple of roads fork and both roads carry the same name. This could potentially cause problems in emergency situations.

In other action, Deputy Mike Campbell, who in the past as served as security for the courtrooms, had his duties expanded to protecting the entire courthouse full time.