Many Rankin County residents came out in support of an overlay, saying they don't want their property values to decrease because of unkept properties.
The board room was packed with those in favor of stricter yard and up keep ordinances for areas of the county.RANKIN COUNTY, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The Rankin County Board of Supervisors tabled the overlay proposal during its Monday meeting. Many Rankin County residents came out in support of an overlay, saying they don't want their property values to decrease because of unkept properties.
"I was hoping to see our board of supervisors at least make a decision," said Rankin County resident Darrell Palmer.
The board room was packed with those in favor of stricter yard and up keep ordinances for areas of the county.
"What we've been asking for five years is an overlaying district in Rankin County and the reservoir area including Castlewoods. That enables us to enforce the ordinances and establish some new ones as far as neighborhoods and try and keep our property values up. But, right now our board of supervisors is unwilling to step up and make a decision," said Palmer.
Rankin County resident Darrell Palmer said supervisors have had ample time to look over the proposal, make changes and get the ball rolling. He among many other supporters said if an overlay is not enforced it could lead to more problems.
Sen. Josh Harkins said, "What you have is a unique circumstance where there's a large number of people in an unincorporated area that don't have any covenants so, the fear is that it will start to decline. As it declines the ad valorem tax will decrease and the county will be in a very difficult situation."
With many supporters in the room there were only a few who oppose of the overlay saying it's not necessary. Because the issue was tabled, supervisors will discuss the overlay again during their next March 15th meeting, where a vote is possible.
"What's going to happen in two weeks to change anything? At this point I'm not optimistic," said Palmer.
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