Jackson County supervisors vote on new board attorney

PASCAGOULA -- Jackson County leaders decided Monday not to pick up the contract of longtime attorney for the Board of Supervisors, Paula Yancey.

They went into a 30-minute closed session to discuss whether the issue qualified as a personnel matter and decided that it did not. They came out of that meeting and met privately with Yancey and returned to the open meeting, where they voted to appoint longtime assistant board attorney Gary Evans to the job instead of Yancey.

Supervisor Troy Ross said, "it's not about performance, it's just about reappointing someone."

Since specifics of her performance weren't an issue, supervisors said, the matter did not qualify for executive session and could be handled in open session.

Newly elected Supervisor Randy Bosarge suggested farming out legal services, but the board voted instead to appoint Evans.

Yancey was a target during early criticism of the county by Singing River Health System retirees, who pointed out that when she ran for Chancery Court judge two years ago, her campaign was supported by attorneys with the law firm Dogan & Wilkinson, which handles business for SRHS. They told the board they feared it created a conflict of interest.

The county hired attorney Billy Guice to handle the county's dealings with the hospital retirees and any settlement over he failed pension.

Newly elected Supervisor Ken Taylor and Ross said they had no problem with Yancey, who has served the board for 18 years, but that it was time for change.

Supervisor Barry Cumbest said he hated the decision. He said she probably has more experience in county matters than any attorney on the Coast.

"She's a hard worker," Cumbest said. "She would stay up until 3 in the morning to get a job done. I really hate we're going to lose her."

Yancey told the Sun Herald on Monday night, "I'm taking my time and considering all my options."

This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 7:25 PM with the headline "Jackson County supervisors vote on new board attorney ."