A Columbus construction firm is embroiled in dueling lawsuits while it appeals the suspension of its license.
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors suspended Rhett Construction”s license for six months and fined the company $2,500 Jan. 12 following a complaint and hearing for “Gross negligence or misconduct in violation of Miss. Code Ann. 73-59-13(c).”
Jack Hayes, attorney for owner Wythe Rhett and Rhett Construction, said Monday the suspension stems from a dispute with Columbus gastroenterologist Dr. Samuel Johnson over a house Rhett built for Johnson in Caledonia.
Johnson referred requests for comment to his attorney Jeff Smith. Smith did not return calls by press time. Calls to the board of contractors also went unanswered.
Hayes said Johnson filed a complaint with the board of contractors claiming his house was not properly finished. Rhett was called before the board Jan. 11 and found negligent, according to Hayes, because a subcontractor “improperly put roofing shingles on.”
Johnson and Rhett Construction are suing one another in Circuit Court while Rhett appeals the suspension. The appeal hearing, which has not been scheduled, will be held in Lowndes County Chancery Court.
The suspension of Rhett Construction”s license means the company can no longer apply for building applications but can complete ongoing projects. Hayes said the suspension has no effect on Rhett Construction”s sister business, Rhett Real Estate.
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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