Starkville Prepares for Property Tax Changes with New School Plans

Rendering of a new school campus in Starkville

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News Summary

Residents of Starkville are facing potential changes to property taxes due to upcoming appraisals and an $87 million bond for a new high school. Starting in 2026, homeowners can expect rises in their tax bills, while the community braces for facility improvements that may accompany these adjustments. The Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District’s plans could transform the local educational landscape, but there are potential tax offsets that might mitigate some financial impacts for residents.

Starkville Residents Brace for Property Tax Changes Amid New School Developments

Excitement is buzzing in Starkville these days, as community members are discussing plans for a new high school along with some upcoming property tax changes that could affect their wallets. With new property appraisal values due to take effect in 2026, there’s a lot to unpack about how it might play out for homeowners and the overall community.

Tax Increases Looming on the Horizon

First and foremost, property taxes in Oktibbeha County are on the way up! Starting in 2026, residents can expect a hike due to new appraisal values set by the Mississippi Department of Revenue. These updates aim to reflect actual construction costs across the state, meaning both residential and commercial property owners will feel the pinch.

So, what does this actually mean for your tax bill? Well, if you own a home valued at $200,000 in the county, your current tax burden of $3,738.30 (without any homestead exemption) will increase by approximately $449.10, bringing the total to about $4,187.40. If you live within the city, your tax bill will also rise substantially—from around $4,593 to $5,157.30, an increase of $564.30.

What’s Behind the New High School?

Now, here’s where it gets interesting! The Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District has plans for a whopping $87 million bond for facility improvements, extending a window for issuing bonds until July 2027 thanks to legislative approval. This could pave the way for a brand-new high school potentially built on a joint campus with the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science right by Mississippi State University.

According to the school district’s latest audit, they’re projected to retire over $4.3 million of existing debt. But if they decide to borrow the full amount for the new construction, they will face annual payments around $4.6 million. This could increase current payments by about $300,000, which translates to an additional $11 per year for homeowners with a $200,000 house.

Potential Offsetting Tax Benefits

Interestingly, if the district chooses not to take on this new debt, there’s a silver lining: taxes could actually go down by about $148.80. This reduction could help balance out some of the additional costs from the property reassessments—perfect timing as many are trying to wrap their heads around the upcoming tax hikes.

The Importance of the Changes

It’s essential to understand these changes as the community gears up for what could be a massive transformation with the launch of new school facilities. The estimations for these tax changes were carefully calculated with expert input, including insights from experience gained during similar adjustments made in Lowndes County. With new appraisal rates already adopted there, Starkville has some guidance as it prepares for its own fiscal future.

So, while there’s certainly a lot to think about with these decisions ahead, residents can take comfort in knowing that improvements are on the horizon. Whether it’s the new high school being built or the adjustments to tax liabilities, it will be fascinating to see how it all unfolds in Starkville.