Supervisors again vote to increase taxes - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Supervisors again vote to increase taxes

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By Roslyn Anderson - bio | email
CANTON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

Madison County Supervisors again voted on a tax hike to the dismay of residents.

Wednesday a second special meeting and public hearing allowed outraged taxpayers to voice their opposition.

The second time around brought no tax relief as Madison County Supervisors again cast the vote, 3 to 2 for a tax hike.

President John Bell Crosby and District Two Supervisor Ronny Lott repeated their opposition by voting against the increase.

Residents made pleas for reconsideration throughout the public hearing.

"We're using taxpayers for an excuse to pay for everything," said Madison county resident Cleo Hughes.

"I'm just incredibly disappointed in you guys, very disappointed. I'm a resident of District Five, and I just really believe that you guys could find solutions," Scott Steele told the board.

"Do we really need a P.R. Person? Do we really need lobbyists? Do we really need to pursue the appeal in the landfill decision that was made? Those are all expenses that are coming out of the county budget," Bill Billingsly asked.

A major point of contention was a $1.7 million dollar shortfall from the default of landowner payments for the P.I.D.s or Public Improvement District funding.

"Mr. Overby said the reason for the tax increase, one of the reasons is because of the default of landowners. We have a choice here gentlemen. We don't have to do it. There's no legal authority to do it," Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler told the board.

The $60 million budget approving an increase of 2.5 mils for county residents and a .5 mil increase for city residents stands.

"I do support it because we can be held accountable for this budget. I am not going to kick the can down the road, because next year it probably would be worse," said District Three Supervisor Gerald Steen.

"I basically hate to see it, because I do feel we can make it through this budget year. With the fact that I do feel as I said we're going to have I think a better year in America and a better year in the county," said Supervisor John Bell Crosby after the vote.

Madison county residents are now levied a total of 38.13 mils in taxes.

The tax increase goes into effect October first.

Copyright 2012 WLBT. All rights reserved.

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