JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
In a 3-4 vote Thursday afternoon, the Jackson city council failed to adopt a budget for FY 2012-13.
During the meeting confusion set in as to why the council was being asked to approve the city budget before voting on the Jackson Public Schools' budget.
Under state law, the council must vote on the school district's budget but does not create it.
The city's proposed budget does not include a tax increase.
However, J.P.S. is asking for a two mill increase. Meaning residents will pay more in school taxes.
"The taxpayers are all sort of in the same pool together. The budgets themselves are crafted by different entities. We did not craft the school district budget. We crafted our budget," explained Mayor Harvey Johnson.
Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon and budget chairperson added this, "We felt that it was very important to air this tomorrow with a separate meeting and that's what we're gonna do now. It's very, very important that we let taxpayers know that this is not a levy from the city of Jackson. It is a levy passed on to taxpayers through the school district."
The special city council meeting is in recess until Friday morning.
The council is also expected to vote on the school district's budget Friday morning as well.
During Thursday's special meeting, the council did approve allocating one mill or about $1.3 million for street resurfacing. According to Johnson, the city council has approved a similar amount in previous years.
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