Officials approve sale of land after checking with Ethics Commission

SOUTHAVEN — Southaven officials have approved the contract to buy 10 acres of property for $1.9 million after learning that the purchase did not violate any state ethics laws because Mayor Greg Davis’ cousin is one of the owners of the land.

In a 5 to 2 vote, The Commercial Appeal reports the board agreed to purchase the property from EADS, LLC, a Hernando-based company of which DeSoto County Chancery Court Clerk W.E. Davis is a partner.

Davis is the mayor’s fourth or fifth cousin.

In a letter dated April 13, the Mississippi Ethics Commission informed the city that according to a 1972 state opinion on the issue “a cousin” is not considered a relative under state ethics laws.