Quitman celebrated the 53-year fire fighting career of Gary Simpkins Thursday. After a reception in his honor, Mayor Randy Dunn proclaimed Oct. 17 as Gary Simpkins Day and said, “There’s no telling how many lives you have touched.”

Dunn noted that something most folks probably don’t realize is how much money Simpkins has helped Quitman homeowners save on insurance by keeping the city at the highest possible insurance rating due to the training and equipment the department has maintained.

Dunn then turned to the matter of the recent lawsuit in favor of fired Quitman police captain Terry Bevill, which included findings against the city and former mayor David Dobbs.

He said he knows there are questions in the community and read a statement:

“The City of Quitman and former mayor David Dobbs are currently reviewing all legal options in response to the recent jury award in Terry Bevill v. City of Quitman, et al. Any comment on the case is premature at this time. All inquiries should be directed to the City and Mr. Dobbs’ attorney, Lance Vincent.”

Following a workshop about options for the city’s vehicle fleet, the city council turned to several matters they approved quickly.

Four interlocal agreements with Wood County were approved, the city providing fire fighting services to unincorporated areas around Quitman, the county providing funds to the library, the county providing fire marshal services to the city and the county providing property tax collection services.

Jason Howland and Sherry Dupree were appointed to vacancies on the parks board.

A lease agreement for the city to provide office space to Court Appointed Special Advocates at no cost in the annex behind city hall was approved.

A special event permit was awarded to the chamber of commerce to serve alcohol during Hometown Christmas on the north side of the square. There will be no sales, only giveaways, just like last year.