PICAYUNE —
In a 3-2 vote members of the Picayune Separate Municipal School District approved a motion to increase taxes on property owners.
While the district will ask for the same amount of money as they did last year, $8.2 million, the expectation of ad valorem assessments coming in lower than last year prompted the district’s financial administrator Lisa Penton to suggest the district ask for an additional 3 to 5 mills, even though the district is capped at 55 mills.
Penton said the district can legally request millage above the 55 mill cap in situations where lower property assessment will mean the district would receive less money than the previous year.
Board member Ray Scott said the lower assessment will mean 55 mills will only generate about $7.6 million, so the city of Picayune will have to assess about another 5 mills to make up the difference or the district will fall between $700,000 to $1 million short. Scott and board member Jimmy Hancock were the only two board members to vocally oppose asking for a millage increase.
“A five mill increase is pretty substantial for a lot of homeowners,” Scott said.
Two board members made mention of a couple of board decisions that should have waited until a solid budget was determined. Scott said the board gave the district’s administration raises before they knew what the budget was going to look like, but the board should have waited before making any decisions on that matter. Board member Frank Feeley said the board should have looked for cheaper insurance for the district once they found out the policy had increased by $200,000.
City Clerk Amber Hinton said the council is legally obligated to approve the district’s request because the city is the district’s tax levying body. Hinton said a 5 mill increase will mean a homeowner with a house assessed at $100,000 will pay an additional $50.
The district does have funds they can dip into, about $2.7 million, Penton said. But state laws mandate the district is required to maintain that back up fund.
When the matter came to a vote Hancock and Scott opposed, but Feeley, Patti Stewart and Edward Stubbs voted for the matter, meaning it passed 3-2. The matter will now go before the council.
In other business the board approved a bid from HRL Construction to clear two lots near Roseland Park Elementary at a price of $4,500 in preparation for the construction of a multipurpose building. The board also approved a motion to award a contract to Bailey Architect at a cost of $25,000 for architectural services for the same building.
Local News
School board votes to increase taxes
Motion was approved at Tuesday’s meeting
- Local News
-
-
PMHS SALUTATORIAN
Picayune Memorial High School salutatorian Tiffany DeVore will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Thursday at the high school stadium.
-
PRC VALEDICTORIAN
Pearl River Central High School valedictorian Baylee Brooklyn Owens will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Friday at the high school stadium.
-
PMHS VALEDICTORIAN
Picayune Memorial High School valedictorian Chad Porter will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Thursday at the high school auditorium.
-
City council seeks grant for downtown parking improvements
The council approved a request that can potentially allow the city to receive a grant of $100,000 to fund a Downtown Revitalization Parking Project.
-
POPLARVILLE SALUTATORIAN
Poplarville High School salutatorian Brent Breland will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Thursday at the high school stadium.
-
POPLARVILLE VALEDICTORIAN
Poplarville High School valedictorian Samantha Gentry will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Thursday at the high school stadium.
-
Picayune pays it forward with Oklahoma relief supplies
Picayune residents have started a relief effort for Oklahoma tornado victims, including those with relatives in Picayune, by collecting supplies.
-
Fugitives go on the run in Picayune
A manhunt is underway as U.S. Marshals search for two fugitives out of Tennessee wanted on charges of aggravated burglary and resisting arrest.
U.S. Marshals went to a vacant residence on Pea Ridge Road on Wednesday that was believed to house the two fugitives. -
PRC SALUTATORIAN
Pearl River Central High School salutatorian Haleigh Elizabeth Ratliff will speak at the school's graduation exercises at 7 p.m. Friday at the high school stadium.
-
U.S. Marshals, local officials search area for fugitives
The U.S. Marshal's Service, the Pearl River Sheriff's Department and the Picayune Police Department are currently searching for two fugitives wanted for charges in Tennessee.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
