Streets with potholes and neglected property were discussed at the McComb Rotary Club Wednesday by representatives of the city.
“How goes McComb goes the county” — and this region, said McComb Selectman Tommy Mc-Kenzie, a member of the club, who introduced Public Works Director Philip Russell and Pro-tem City Judge Brandon Frazier.
Frazier, an attorney, among other duties, presides over code ordinance court the first Thursday of each month.
The city now has a code enforcement officer who writes up violations, such as failure to maintain lots and buildings in accordance with laws on the books regarding the appearance and condition of private property.
Frazier can fine property owners for neglecting their property and order them to clean it up. If they ignore the order, they can be held in contempt of court.
“I won’t put people in jail for not cutting their grass, but I will for ignoring a judge’s order,” he said.
Russell, in his presentation, outlined plans to resurface some streets in McComb this year, but said there isn’t nearly enough money available to do all that’s needed.
Some $450,000 in the city budget for street repairs this year “is not going to go very far,” he said.
It costs about $113,520 a mile to mill and overlay a 20-foot wide street, he said.
Just overlaying it, without milling or taking up the old asphalt, costs $87,120.
Among projects being planned for the summer is resurfacing part of Delaware Avenue Extension with state aid money, which is administered through the county board of supervisors.
McKenzie, in opening and closing remarks, said the city board has a good relationship with Pike County supervisors and he hopes they can work more closely together in the future.
