County Departments
Steve Wright, Interim Director
1022 Highway 19 South
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-8498
agricntr@lauderdalecounty.org
The Lauderdale County Agri-Center, located just two miles off I-20/59 is one of the finest equestrian facilities in the region. The arena is a large 125 X 250 feet and can seat approximately 1500. The stall barn and arena are conveniently located under the same roof for easy access. There are 200 10X10 stalls available for rent. A large 200 X 300 foot warm up area is adjoining the arena. Both automobile and trailer parking are plentiful. Nearby, you will find shopping, food, and motels within easy access. The Agri-Center is located just two miles from the third largest mall in Mississippi and only minutes away from approximately 1500 motel rooms. The Agri-Center is adjacent to Bonita Lakes Equestrian Trails.
Although specifically designed as an equestrian facility, it is a truly versatile building. There has been a major business expo, monster truck show, circus, gospel concert, go-kart racing and a bluegrass and gospel concert. The Lauderdale County Agri-Center is limited only by your imagination. Call the courteous and efficient staff at 601-482-8498 for rates and availability.
Rocky Rockette, Director
501 Cooper Avenue
Meridian, MS 39301
601-485-1956
rrockette@lauderdalecounty.org
Animal Control operates the Animal Shelter and enforces Lauderdale County’s Animal Welfare Laws. The Shelter will house approximately 4000 animals annually. We are an animal adoption facility and adopt on average 30% of all animals taken in. Animal Control hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for animal drop-offs. You can adopt a pet from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday thru Friday. The shelter is closed on weekends.
Ward Calhoun, Jr., Records Manager
410 Constitution Ave, 2nd Floor
Meridian, Mississippi 39301
601-482-9858
archives@lauderdalecounty.org
Lauderdale Archives
This department may be one of the area’s best kept secrets. It is a hybrid agency, a county department charged with the responsibility of managing public records and a treasure trove for those interested in historical research, staffed mainly by volunteers who make valuable resources available to the public with minimal outlay of public money.
410 Constitution Avenue
11th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9746
Carolyn Mooney, Chancery Clerk
500 Constitution Ave, 1st Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9701
chanceryclerk@lauderdalecounty.org
The Chancery Clerk acts as clerk to the Board of Supervisors, the Chancery Court, the County Treasurer and County Auditor. Keeps land records, which include delinquent tax records, as well as our deeds and mortgages. Deposits monies in a timely manner, keeps the County payroll, and sees to the paying of County bills. Also responsible for filing Chancery Court cases and issuing legal notices in divorces, estates, adoptions, guardianships, and conservatorship.
Judge Jerry Mason
Chancery Court Judges
500 Constitution Avenue, 2nd Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9729
chancerycourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Chancery Court hears civil cases involving real property, wills, estates, divorce, child custody and support, adoption, lunacy, and drug and school commitment. Keeps record of all wills and documents filed in case presented to the court. After a time, records are retired to the vaults of the County Archives, in the Courthouse Annex.
Judge Larry Primeaux
Chancery Court Judges
500 Constitution Avenue, 2nd Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9729
chancerycourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Chancery Court hears civil cases involving real property, wills, estates, divorce, child custody and support, adoption, lunacy, and drug and school commitment. Keeps record of all wills and documents filed in case presented to the court. After a time, records are retired to the vaults of the County Archives, in the Courthouse Annex.
Donna Jill Johnson, Circuit Clerk
500 Constitution Avenue 1st Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9731
circuitclerk@lauderdalecounty.org
Taking out a marriage license, (or looking up an old one) registering to vote, participating in an election, service on a grand jury or a petit jury, dealing with garnishments, are all the business of Circuit Clerk Donna Jill Johnson. She not only functions as Clerk to the Circuit Court but oversees operations of County Court, which conducts both criminal and civil trials, while Juvenile Court handles juvenile matters, which are kept confidential.
Judge Charles Wright, Circuit Court Judge
500 Constitution Avenue 2nd Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9738
circuitcourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Judge Lester Williamson, Circuit Court Judge
500 Constitution Avenue 2nd Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9738
circuitcourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Circuit Court of the 10th Judicial District – Lauderdale, Clarke, Wayne and Kemper counties – handles all felony criminal cases and civil cases with unlimited monetary jurisdiction (product liability, auto accidents, medical negligence, etc.), issues summons and subpoenas, process and warrants. Most cases in Circuit Court involve jury trials, which is where the duties of the Circuit Clerk come into play.
Linda Posey, Comptroller
500 Constitution Avenue 1st Floor Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9708
lposey@lauderdalecounty.org
Tommie L. Coker, District 1 Constable
410 Constitution Ave, 6th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9875
justicecourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Ondray Harris Jr, District 2 Constable
410 Constitution Ave, 6th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9875
justicecourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Mike Myers, District 3 Constable
410 Constitution Ave, 6th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9875
justicecourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Chuck Roberts, District 4 Constable
410 Constitution Ave, 6th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9875
justicecourt@lauderdalecounty.org
County Administrator
Chris Lafferty
410 Constitution Ave 11th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9751
clafferty@lauderdalecounty.org
To meet the needs of all citizens, the administration secures data and performs the analysis to provide the members of the Board of Supervisors – The County’s chief elective officials – with the objective, reliable information they need to make their decisions. The office is also responsible for building maintenance, purchasing, budget preparation and related matters.
The County Administrator and staff make every effort to provide friendly, efficient and courteous service. The office assists with scheduling appointments with Board members, and helps you when you need copies of County records, as well as information on bid dates and specifications, and County employment openings.
Administrative Assistant
Christen Shepherd
410 Constitution Ave, 11th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9705
cshepherd@lauderdalecounty.org
Judge Lisa Howell, County Court Judge
500 Constitution Ave, 3rd Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9756
countycourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Judge Veldore “Vel” Young, County Court Judge
500 Constitution Ave, 3rd Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9756
countycourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Some of the things this Court does is to prepare and send out jury summons, record in general docket books criminal and civil cases $1000 to $75,000, keep the minutes and prepare cases appealed to a higher court as well as conduct County Court. It handles appeal cases from Municipal and Justice Court and issues process from County Court. Writs of garnishment, relevant and executions, and warrants are also functions of this court. It also prepares and keeps cash disbursement journals and prepares allowances for State Treasury and it takes in and disburses garnishment funds.
Judge Coleman and Judge Young also preside over Juvenile Court.
CORONER
Clayton Cobler III, Coroner
11112 Suqualena Drive Extension
Meridian, MS
601-626-0032
C: 601-934-7911
coroner@lauderdalecounty.org
In cases of homicide, suicide, trauma, accident or other disaster, death by violence, by cause unknown or suspicious, in police custody or as a result of public health hazard, in surgical or anesthetic procedure, or unattended, the County calls in Coroner/Medical Examiner Clayton Cobler, III. His reports include information on the means of death, if death is other than natural, as well as a narrative summary of the circumstances. Reports of investigations are routinely completed for the State Medical Examiner, as well.
Major Melissa McCarter, Jail Administrator
2001 5th Street
Meridian MS 39301
601-482-9800
mmccarter@lauderdalecounty.org
Visitation:
Visitation is on a two week rotation and each inmate is allowed 30 minutes to visit with family or friends. You need to call 601-282-3064 to get the appropriate time and date for your visit.
Rules & Regulations
In an effort to best serve the County of Lauderdale and its citizens, the Lauderdale County Detention Facility, operated by the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, serves as a holding facility for pre-trial suspects to assure their appearance at trial or other judicial proceedings, and to hold short-term convicted offenders until their lawful release and state prisoners until their transfer. The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department will take the necessary steps to maintain safe, secure and humane custody of confined individuals during their confinement, complying with all applicable federal, state and local statutes.
A fully staffed Medical Department in the Lauderdale County Detention Center gives prompt medical care and is available to the inmates around the clock.
Bilbo Mitchell, District Attorney
500 Constitution Avenue 3rd Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9757
da@lauderdalecounty.org
The Courthouse’s third floor is home to the office of 10th Circuit Court District Attorney Bilbo Mitchell, who prosecutes criminal cases in Lauderdale, Clarke, Wayne and Kemper counties, but that is not all. His office also maintains a victim’s assistance program to apprize felony victims on case status and help the victim in any and every way possible. In addition the Worthless Check Unit collects on bad checks turned over by both merchants and private individuals in the 10th District, and sees that those who do not pay up are prosecuted. Supported by fees collected from writers of bogus checks, the unit has returned to victims a hefty sum since it began work in November 1988.
EMERGENCY – 911
DISPATCH: 601-486-4952
Jared Stanley, Director
1300 26th Avenue
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9854
e911@lauderdalecounty.org
The Lauderdale County Emergency Communications Center is the primary Public Service Answering Point (PSAP) for all emergency and non-emergency requests for police, fires, and emergency medical assistance in the City of Meridian, and in Lauderdale County as a whole. 911 calls for assistance are answered by a staff of highly-trained Communications Dispatchers, from a “state of the art” Emergency Communications Center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A centralized Dispatch Center, started in 2000, brings together City and County Dispatchers who route all 911 emergency calls to their proper destination.
Chuck Overby, Commissioner District 1
500 Constitution Avenue, 1st Floor,
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9809
electioncommission@lauderdalecounty.org
Consuella Rue, Commissioner District 2
500 Constitution Avenue, 1st Floor,
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9809
electioncommission@lauderdalecounty.org
Awana Daniels Simmons, Commissioner District 3
500 Constitution Avenue, 1st Floor,
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9809
electioncommission@lauderdalecounty.org
Gloria T. Dancy, Commissioner District 4
500 Constitution Avenue, 1st Floor,
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9809
electioncommission@lauderdalecounty.org
Jeff Tate, Commissioner District 5
500 Constitution Avenue, 1st Floor,
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9809
electioncommission@lauderdalecounty.org
5224 Valley Street
Meridian, MS 39301
601-483-3337
welfare@lauderdalecounty.org
The Lauderdale County Department of Human Services, Division of Economic Assistance, located at 5224 Valley Street, provides essential services to low income individuals with the ultimate goal of assisting them to become self sufficient. Services include food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) money payments, determination of eligibility for Medicaid and training and supportive services focused on employment opportunities.
Child support enforcement along with family and children’s services are also available for eligible clients.
Robert Wilson, I.T. Director
410 Constitution Avenue 2nd Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9881
rwilson@lauderdalecounty.org
The Information Technology Department is responsible for installing and maintaining any hardware and software that will put information at the users fingertips. We have computers located in virtually every office that is under the jurisdiction of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors.
All of these computers are linked together via our Local Area Network. We also maintain remote offices that are linked so that information is available to everyone. The personnel in the IT Department consists of an IT Director, a Network Administrator for the county, Network Administrator for the Sheriff’s Office and a GIS Administrator. Due to the constant growth and innovation in the technology, the IT Department is constantly in a mode of change and growth and every day offers many new challenges.
Judge Richard L. “Ricky” Roberts, District 1
410 Constitution Ave 6th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9875
justicecourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Judge Ondray Harris, District 2
410 Constitution Ave 6th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9875
justicecourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Judge Paul Earley, District 3
410 Constitution Ave 6th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9875
justicecourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Judge Gerald Thompson, District 4
410 Constitution Ave 6th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9875
justicecourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Darlene Jones, Court Administrator
410 Constitution Ave 6th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9875
justicecourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Charles Smith, County Attorney
410 Constitution Ave 6th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9875
justicecourt@lauderdalecounty.org
Justice Court, which convenes on the sixth floor of the Courthouse Annex, deals with civil suits up to $2,500, landlord/tenant hearings, misdemeanor cases involving Mississippi Highway Patrol, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, and Constable arrests, traffic citations and DUI’s. The Court conducts preliminary hearings, initial appearances and bond hearings, and issues arrest warrants.
Al Moore, Director
5400 Semmes Road
Meridian, MS 39307
601-483-3961
juvenillecenter@lauderdalecounty.org
The Lauderdale County Juvenile Center opened in July 1975. Funds for the construction of this facility came from LEAA, Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, City of Meridian, Meridian City Council, and the Youth Liaison Foundation. The Youth Liaison Foundation was founded by Judge H. C. Mike Watkins for acquainting the public with the great need for this facility and to provide a means for raising funds for the construction , equipment and furnishings for the Center.
The Lauderdale County Juvenile Center houses juvenile offenders normally referred by local law enforcement on criminal offenses. The Center is staffed with professionals trained in dealing with the many faceted problems that confront the youth of today. Services provided include awareness counseling, court ordered supervision, assessments for counseling, treatment and/or placement, which may include referrals to other agencies for evaluation and/or treatment of minors who have mental disorders, drug abuse or alcohol problems. The Center is funded by the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors.
LAUDERDALE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Scott Spears, Director
2525 14th Street
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9852
lema@lauderdalecounty.org
The Lauderdale Emergency Management Agency “LEMA” is the coordinating agency for all emergency services in Lauderdale County. It is our mission to provide assistance to all agencies having responsibilities in an emergency situation and to ensure that a comprehensive plan to handle emergency situations is in place and all agencies understand their respective roles.
Steve Bryan, Interim Director
1906 5th Street
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9816
maintenance@lauderdalecounty.org
The Lauderdale County Building Maintenance Department is responsible for maintenance, custodial and janitorial needs, and lawn maintenance for all County buildings. We have a building restoration department responsible for construction and renovation of County offices and buildings.
The Receiving Department is also located in this building. We are responsible for receiving and delivering of all supplies that have been ordered by the Purchasing Department and submitting a receiving report to purchasing to verify receipt of supplies.
Patty Swearingen, Director
410 Constitution Ave, 5th Floor Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9764
lauderda@ext.msstate.edu
The Lauderdale County Extension Service on the 5th Floor of the Courthouse Annex, is an informal educational program that “puts knowledge to work” to meet the needs of people. It’s fundamental objective it to help people help themselves.
MSU-ES, Lauderdale County Home Page
Lauderdale County 4H
Cathy Lummus, Director
2525-B 14th Street
601-484-3992
permits@lauderdalecounty.org
The permit office enforces the “Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance” adopted on June 1, 1992, by the Board of Supervisors. The floodplain management regulations are designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizens. By adopting and enforcing the Flood Ordinance the county home owners are eligible to purchase flood insurance inside or outside the flood zone areas.
A permit is required for all work on a new building or an addition, relocation, alteration to an existing building, structure or mobile home.
If you are looking to build or purchase property inside the county, you can come by the office and check the flood zone prior to construction planning or purchasing property.
Flood Prevention Ordinance
AICUZ Ordinance
Storm & Flood Preparedness
PURCHASING
Tracey Rue
410 Constitution Ave. 11th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9735
purchasing@lauderdalecounty.org
The Lauderdale County Purchasing Department residing on the 11th Floor of the Courthouse Annex, handles all purchasing for Board of Supervisors and all County offices other than the Lauderdale County School System. All purchasing is made in accordance with Mississippi State purchase laws.
Road Department
Rush Mayatt
410 Constitution Ave. 11th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9754
rmayatt@lauderdalecounty.org
The Road and Bridge Department is composed of four Satellites and one Central Road Unit that is responsible for maintenance and construction of the roads in Lauderdale County.
To report pot holes, drainage problems, requests for culverts and other needs, please call 601-482-9797.
Central Garage 2715 6th St. Meridian, MS 39301 601-482-9797
Satellite A 9766 Lauderdale Toomsuba Rd. Lauderdale, MS 39335 601-679-8371
Satellite B 10959 Center Hill Martin Rd. Collinsville, MS 39325 601-737-2311
Satellite C 378 North Lakeland Dr. Meridian, MS 39307 601-482-9846
Satellite D 2959 Jeff Davis School Rd. Meridian, MS 39301 601-483-9561
Road Unit 7291 Highway 39 North Meridian, MS 39305 601-485-9972
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Billy Sollie, Sheriff
2001 5th Street
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9806
sheriff@lauderdalecounty.org
As the County’s chief law enforcement officer, the Sheriff and his deputies respond to calls for emergency service, enforcing local ordinances, state and federal law, and maintaining a sense of tranquility by visibility in the communities they patrol. Thus they take responsibility for the safety and well being of all persons living in and visiting Lauderdale County.
Sheriff’s Department Website
Crime Stopper Tip? E-Mail your tip to us: crimestoppers@lauderdalecounty.org
Lauderdale Crime Statistics
James Rainey, Tax Assessor
500 Constitution Ave. Room # 101
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9779
taxassessor@lauderdalecounty.org
Assigning values to all real and personal property falls to the office of Tax Assessor. Appraisers check improvements, which are then keyed into the computer with sketches. Personal property appraisers list items used in business, as well as inventories. Maps are maintained as deeds are recorded, and changed accordingly, and the office assists homeowners in filing for homestead exemption.
Lauderdale County Real Property Appraisal
Doris Spidle , Tax Collector
500 Constitution Ave. Room # 101
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9786
dspidle@lauderdalecounty.org
The office of the Tax Collector is responsible for collection of the Ad Valorem taxes on real property, personal property, mobile homes, automobiles, motorcycles, motor homes, trailers and airplanes, privilege taxes on vehicles, vending machines, amusement machines and business license, as well as garbage fees, then to disburse the taxes to the proper entities.
PAY YOUR TAXES ONLINE VIA THE LINKS BELOW.
Note: If your tag is expired or you have not paid your garbage fee, you CAN NOT renew online.
Note: If your tag is renewed online, it will be mailed to the address on your registration record. You CAN NOT request it to be mailed elsewhere.
Note: You will be leaving this site when clicking the links below.
View your Lauderdale County Real Property Taxes
TOURISM
Dede Mogollon, Director
212 21st Ave
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-8001
tourism@lauderdalecounty.org
The Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau will promote the Lauderdale County area as a tourism destination, increase public awareness regarding tourism development and provide support for the local tourism industry.
It is funded solely through a portion of the occupancy tax, the Tourism Bureau plays a proactive role in increasing the number of overnight stays in the meridian area. The office is staffed by three professionals who work very closely with local hotel/motels to generate more business for the hospitality industry. The Bureau follows an aggressive marketing plan that targets group travelers, leisure travelers, meeting planners, travel writers and sports tournaments.
Jeff Sibley, Director
1827 23rd Avenue
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9811
jsibley@lauderdalecounty.org
Sharing Courthouse space is Veterans Services Officer Joseph Lemoine. Recognizing the sacrifices made by those who serve their country and the obligation society has to the military veteran. This office commits its efforts to assisting veterans and their families, providing guidance in obtaining Veterans Administration benefits such as disability compensation, medical and nursing home care.
We also assist the veterans and their dependents with educational benefits. The Regional VA’s office number is toll free – 800-827-1000.
Allan Dover, Director
2525 14th Street.
Meridian, MS 39301
601-482-9856
vfd@lauderdalecounty.org
adover@lauderdalecounty.org
Fire Coordinator, Allan Dover states the Lauderdale County Fire Service is comprised of 16 Volunteer Fire Departments with 21 fire stations; these departments are staffed with over 300 personnel that provide fire protection, rescue, and emergency medical services to the citizens of Lauderdale County. Our average call volume is 2500 calls a year. In addition to the countless hours given to responding to calls, many of our volunteers also dedicate a large portion of their free time to training to meet the ever expanding demands of the job to include Fire Suppression, Hazardous Material Incidents, Vehicle Extrication, and Emergency Medical calls. The Lauderdale County Fire Service is fortunate to have a large group of personnel that dedicate so many hours to improving the county Fire Service and the fire service as a whole through continuing education at the Mississippi Fire Academy and the National Fire Academy. Many of these men and women can be seen carrying out this mission every day in Lauderdale County. In addition to our personnel, the Lauderdale County Fire Service enjoys a good working relationship with our Board of Supervisors who assist us in achieving our goals by providing equipment and funding to carry out our missions.
On behalf of the Lauderdale County Fire Service I would like to invite all of the citizens of Lauderdale County to come visit with the men and women of the fire service at their fire stations and see if you have what it takes to be a Volunteer Fire Fighter.