The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District (PRV) “manpower study” results are in, and there are no complaints about the reservoir’s police efforts.
Last fall, PRV officials opened a poll for reservoir citizens to rate the abilities of the police department and conduct a cost comparison of providing the same service through the private sector, such as security guards or another similar service.
The “comprehensive analysis” was mandated by the state Legislature last year through House Bill 1520 and was compiled from sources including surveys of residents, PRV financial and employee records and statistics and contacts with other state and local agencies in the five counties on the PRV borders.
“The survey allows leaseholders and residents to have input on how the reservoir police are doing,” John Sigman, PRV general manager, said.
The district oversees operations of 33,000 acres of water and 17,000 acres of adjoining land. It also attracts an estimated 2.5 million annual visitors, generating $81 million in taxable revenue, according to the analysis.
The results of the study conclude that the reservoir police department is equipped to handle its duties.
“PRV’s residents overwhelmingly feel reservoir police yield a level of protection that provides many societal benefits: led by a secure and comfortable lifestyle important to quality of life, as well as protection of home values,” the results state.
The results also show that the PRV police department operates on only 3.5 percent of the Legislature-approved expenditures for the district.
“The cost to field a reservoir police officer is approximately 75 percent of that of surrounding communities. Reservoir police is able to perform all required tasks with the current staff of 11 full-time officers and 10 reserves.”
ASIDE FROM the 33,000-acre lake, the district’s recreational opportunities include four large day parks, eight neighborhood parks, five campgrounds that include a total of 611 pads, 16 large public boat ramps, nine smaller boat ramps, 42 miles of multi-purpose trails, two public beach areas and many sand bars along the upper river area.
“As a special-fund agency, PRVWSD receives no regular annual appropriation from the state’s general fund. PRVWSD derives its operating budget from fees from leasing property, water (and) sewer service for its residents, timber sales, and occasionally the award of grant funds for specific projects or equipment,” the results state.
The PRV does not receive any ad valorem tax funds, sales tax funds, gas royalties or mineral royalties.
The analysis also states that with the department’s current 11 full-time officers, a time-limited position remains open for a grant-funded officer, should the PRV receive grant awards in the near future.
However, the department has no other current needs.
With the 30,000 to 50,000 visitor count during major holiday events, the results conclude that the 11 officers and 10 reserve officers are enough to accommodate those events and crowds in addition to regular duties.
“The information gathered for this report does give a clear indication reservoir police provides a function that cannot be replaced by merely entering into interlocal agreement with other government agencies,” the analysis states. “The unique responsibilities of the organization make it a necessity in the overall operation and continued security of the infrastructure and safety of the leaseholders, visitors and tourists who frequent this great asset of the state of Mississippi.”
The report minus the exhibits can be found at www.northsidesun.com.
