BROOKHAVEN — Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Rushing got to entertain the Board of Supervisors with a tour of the jail after Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting. He additionally had two proposals approved by the board during the regularly scheduled board meeting. 

Rushing’s first proposal was for Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Matt Walton to Flowood for training by the Children’s Advocacy Center. He explained the county would need to pay for the travel up front and the center would reimburse Lincoln County. Supervisors approved the travel unanimously. 

Next, Rushing asked the board for permission to amend his budget. Rushing said he worked out some numbers to help get his pay scale for officers up. Lincoln County Administrator Daniel Calcote said Rushing was trying to make sure he stays on budget. 

Calcote explained the Justice Court had expected revenue increases from fines which could help offset any of the budget changes. Rushing said they needed to up their pay to compete with other county and city law enforcement agencies. 

District 5 Supervisor Doug Falvey expressed his support for Rushing’s proposal. The proposal was approved 5-0 by the board. 

Rushing said the increase would bump up pay anywhere from $200 to $1,000 more on the lower end of the pay scale. 

Jail Tour

Supervisors Doug Falvey, Eli Ferguson, John David Hart and Keith Lewis took a tour of the Lincoln County Jail Tuesday morning. Rushing showed them the visitation room, the surveillance tower, booking, cell blocks and where the trustee inmates live. 

Additionally, Rushing showed supervisors his office and where the former E-911 dispatch office was. It is now converted into a meeting room for the sheriff’s office.