Opinion ID: 1564070
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 17

Heading: Factor 10: Whether transportation is affected.

Text: ¶ 47. Jackson contends that incorporation will have a negative impact on traffic. Jackson argues that a newly-incorporated Byram will have to implement a public works department with an insufficient budget of $1,200,000 while Jackson already has the resources and manpower for road maintenance. Jackson also argues the Jackson Police Department (JPD) will be able to handle traffic problems in the Byram area, while BI plans to rely on the Hinds County Sheriff's Department, which is statutorily prohibited from using radar. BI counters that it could employ an interlocal agreement with the Sheriff's Department which would allow the use of radar. ¶ 48. The chancellor acknowledged that an incorporated Byram will have to take over road maintenance from Hinds County. The chancellor relied on testimony from Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin that the traffic in the PIA has gotten out of control. The chancellor noted BI plans to supplement the sheriff's budget for increased services or replace the Sheriff's Department with its own municipal police department. The chancellor found BI could quickly implement its plans, and the incorporation would have a positive impact on transportation in the area. ¶ 49. The chancellor also heard testimony from Pat Guest, BI's expert in the field of municipal engineering. Guest helped BI create a general plan concerning a public works department. The department initially will consist of one superintendent, two-to-four laborers, a half-ton truck, a two-ton flatbed truck with dump body, and a rubber tire hoe. Guest also recommended the public works department consult with an engineer until the workload justified a public works director and/or city engineer. ¶ 50. We find substantial evidence supports the chancellor's finding that incorporation of the revised PIA is reasonable under this factor. The records shows that BI has hired and consulted with experts in formulating general plans to address traffic problems and street maintenance.