County pays zoo worker more than sheriff's deputy

By By Chris Allen Baker / staff writer
April 16, 2002
Lauderdale County supervisors voted Monday to pay a new sheriff's deputy less than they will pay a new employee at a petting zoo planned for the Q.V. Sykes Recreational Complex.
Supervisors voted 3-2 to hire former elections commissioner Henry Stringfellow to work 20 hours a week at the zoo for $8 an hour.
Minutes later, supervisors unanimously voted to promote Lowell Shinn as full-time corrections officer at the county jail and pay her $7.54 an hour.
They also hired Derek Earl Thomas to work part-time at the jail for the same pay rate.
Supervisors Craig Hitt of District 3 and Ray Boswell of District 5 were the only two supervisors to oppose Stringfellow's hiring. They said they voted no because they oppose the planned zoo.
Supervisor Jimmie Smith of District 2, one of the three who voted for all three personnel moves, defended hiring a worker for the zoo and $8-an-hour pay rate.
IN OTHER MATTERS
Here is a quick look at other business from the Monday meeting of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors.
Supervisors sold property formerly known as "Veterans Park" on Anderson Road to Sonny Palmer for $20,010.02. Palmer was chosen over Clifford Campbell, who wanted to pay $10,100.
Supervisors agreed to advertise for bids for block laying, electrical work, heating and air conditioning for the animal control center.
Supervisors heard comments from Ray Huffmaster, defending a petition drive that helped kill plans that would have established a line of credit for the county.