City Officials and Aviation Company Support Local Community Growth

Starkville, MS.

City authorities have taken a selfless step to focus on community development and security. Starkville’s Mayor, Lynn Spruill, along with the Board of Aldermen, forwent their pay increases in a recent budget proposal to aid the local law enforcement agency.

Redirected Funds Aid Police Department

The officials made this noteworthy decision after discovering that the city’s police department fell short of its requested budget by about $140,000. The shortage in the budget primarily affected their request for new surveillance equipment, including 10 new cameras, and the hiring of additional monitoring staff.

The collective pay increase rounded off to about $10,000, a sum Mayor Spruill acknowledged wouldn’t have a significant impact on the budget shortage. He echoed the sentiments of many residents, saying, “This was not big money. This was a principle thing, from my standpoint.”

Despite the slightly modest amount, the decision portrays the dedication of local officials to prioritize the needs of the community, demonstrating that salary should not come before service, especially in positions of governance.

Aurora Flight Services Bolsters Local Economy

Taking a pivotal step towards community building, Aurora Flight Sciences announced a $43-million expansion plan that could substantially boost the local economy. Enhancements will involve upgrading an existing building and constructing a new one, all of which could augment the company’s workforce to 180 employees.

To facilitate the initiative, the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors approved a 10-year ad valorem tax exemption unanimously. Since its establishment in 2017, Aurora has held a critical position within the industrial sector, and this expansion lends credence to its commitment towards community betterment.

The plan includes rehabilitating a 40,000 square-foot building and adding another distinctly new structure of 50,000 square feet. With a current employee count of around 117, this development promises to introduce an additional 63 full-time jobs.

Such developments from existing companies boosting their operations generate significant impact on economic growth, indicating that Lowndes County is a promising investment hub. The expansion of Aurora, like many other industries, supports the community economically and socially by offering jobs, tax revenue, and increased community participation.

Both stories demonstrate that community building is a joint effort. With city officials willing to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of their community and prominent companies investing in the growth of the region, the future of Starkville and Lowndes County looks promising.