BY PAT BROWN
PUBLISHER
Sheldon Austin, representing the new owners of the Mississippi Hub natural gas storage facility in south central Simpson County, made his case to the County Board of Supervisors at Monday’s meeting as to why the current tax valuation of the facility is not accurate.
The facility was recently sold by Arclight Capital Partners to J.P. Morgan. Its valuation has continued to drop from the initial build price in the $600 million range to the latest valuation in the $120 million range, according to Austin.
The county originally taxed the property on the cost of building the facility, and previous owners have been able to take advantage of the discounted tax valuation. Now that the tax exemption period has ended, the facility is supposedly not worth what it cost to build it. However, it continues to sell to different owners who should have known what the tax assessment is and was.
The case had been ruled on by a circuit judge who ruled in favor of the county’s assessment, and it is now before the Mississippi Supreme Court, which has stated they will make a decision but want no oral arguments presented by attorneys. That appears to favor Simpson County, depending on who you ask. Part of Austin’s purpose for attending the board meeting was to offer the board a chance to meet with the new ownership to present their case.
Arclight had been supporting the community much as Sempra, the original owners, had, but they stopped their support when the county would not reduce the valuation to lower taxes.
The case appears to be set to continue until the high court rules on it. Board Attorney Danny Welch expressed concern about having to repay the taxes that have been paid if the case goes against the county, and the board discussed establishing an escrow account specifically for those monies as a contingency.
Welch also said that if the court rules with Arclight, other companies may seek a reduction in taxation.
In other business, Christian McQueen of RJ McQueen, contractor for the county’s big paving projects, approached the board about the delay in completing paving projects. He explained to the board that his company has had problems getting materials, particularly rock for the paving, which has delayed all the company’s projects.
He had repeatedly told County Engineer Buddy Wolverton that “It should be in about two weeks.” He told the board it is his intention to do the job correctly but that his company has to complete jobs to which they have previously committed. After two more of those jobs have been completed, he said, he would be able to start in Simpson County.
McQueen agreed to update Wolverton every two weeks as to when the work would start and then submit regular progress reports.
The board heard from PHI Medical Flight, which presented a plan to the county for helicopter transport for medical emergencies of residents of Simpson County. Using the recent census figure of 9,647 residences in the county, the plan would cost the county $7 per household for a total of $67,529. If the person has insurance the company would then collect from the insurance company. If there was no insurance the company would use the premium paid by the county.
Brian Taylor made the presentation on behalf of PHI. He told supervisors that nine flights had been provided by his company since the departure of ASAP at the end of June.
A bid for the service would not be required because it is considered a professional service. The response time from answering a call to arrival on scene was reported to be 20 minutes.
The Board of Supervisors has decided to end the county’s service of burying dead livestock for private owners because of the increased number of calls and time taken to answer the calls. The exception to the rule would be a catastrophic incident occurring.
Road Manager Ben Warren reported that rock and seal projects are being completed, and the county is moving to an area south of Magee to start work there.
Albert Turnage, who is seeking a position as Chancery Judge, introduced himself to the board and identified himself as being from Lawrence County. He said he brings many years of experience to the post.
The county agreed to pay hazardous pay to certified law enforcement officers both full time and part time. The funds were made available by the state through House Bills 1,427 and 1,542 through CARES funding and would apply to full time certified fire fighters. The cities have access to this funding also.
The county agreed to work with Keep Simpson County Beautiful in their request for additional room in the Miller Building in Mendenhall. They currently have two offices with an office between them. They asked the board to be allowed to use the room in the center so they could display Simpson County Museum artifacts. The Board of Supervisors indicated their willingness to work with them and relocate the other tenant.
