Lowndes County Approves $1.7 Million Tax Increase to Boost Employee Pay and Community Facilities

Lowndes County Approves $1.7 Million Tax Increase for Community Investment

Columbus, Mississippi — In an important move to strengthen the community, Lowndes County Supervisors have unanimously approved a Fiscal Year 2025 budget that includes a $1.7 million increase in revenue generated by ad valorem taxes. This decision is set to enhance employee pay, improve local roads, and develop recreational facilities.

A Closer Look at the Budget

The newly adopted budget allocates approximately $546,000 for pay raises across county employees, ensuring that nearly all workers will see a wage increase of 75 cents per hour. After these raises take effect, less than a dozen county workers will earn below $15 an hour. The raises aim to attract and keep talent, especially in positions that pose significant risks, such as law enforcement.

Board President Trip Hairston highlighted the importance of fair compensation, particularly for those in high-hazard jobs. He shared a challenging scenario, relaying that a jailer had recently faced severe harm from an inmate while working for just $15.50 an hour. “He can make more than that at McDonald’s,” Hairston pointed out, stressing the reality that some positions demand personal risk for inadequate pay. “We want to take care of our people,” he affirmed, noting that while $0.75 may not seem like a lot, it’s the county’s effort to do right by their employees.

Investments in Recreation and Infrastructure

The budget also earmarks $600,000 for recreational needs, particularly to maintain the newly completed sportsplex located off Highway 82 west of Columbus. This facility, which represents the first phase of a $12 million project completed earlier this spring, will benefit from the hiring of a full-time program manager, ensuring vibrant community activities.

“As Leroy always says, if you’re going to have the baby, you’ve got to take care of it,” Hairston joked, emphasizing shared accountability in building and maintaining community resources.

Furthermore, the road department will receive a much-needed boost of $500,000 from the budget compared to fiscal year 2024. These funds are specifically aimed at upgrading vehicles and equipment, which is crucial for maintaining the county’s infrastructure.

Balancing Revenue and Expenditures

The overall budget projects $65.7 million in revenue and $67.8 million in expenditures. Fisher explained that the perceived deficit is manageable as it is bolstered by funds that will be utilized for designated purposes in the upcoming year. For instance, approximately $2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act is set to be spent later.

As the fiscal year commences on October 1, supervisors have established a total ad valorem tax rate of 97.03 mills. While the county rate has actually decreased slightly, the rates for the Lowndes County School District will see a hike, which may result in higher taxes for local homeowners. Home values recorded an increase due to recent appraisal updates, prompting homeowners to potentially face an added tax burden.

The county’s Tax Assessor disclosed that a home valued at $100,000 last year could now hold a value of around $118,000. Consequently, homeowners without a homestead exemption could see an increase of about $267.53 in their taxes this year. However, hairston assures that the county remains committed to providing valuable services, including timely road maintenance and support for critical departments.

Looking Towards the Future

As several counties delay reassessments until 2026 or 2027, Lowndes County’s proactive approach is crucial. Fisher explained that missing the reassessment would lead to deferred maintenance and increased difficulty in managing the budget, putting essential services at risk.

“You don’t want to get in that death spiral where you’re not offering the services and that becomes the status quo,” Hairston cautioned, expressing a desire to avoid falling behind on community needs.

The Supervisors’ decisions reflect a dedication to investing in the community’s future through responsible budgeting and raising employee wages while addressing the needs for proper infrastructure and recreational facilities.