The good news is that the City of Magee will not ask for an increase in taxes for the upcoming tax year that starts October 1.
The city will operate on a mill valuation of approximately $40,000 at the rate of 26 mills. That is the same level of mills as the current year, which end on September 30. The valuation of mills did increase $3,700 per mill based on new assessment figures.
At a public meeting held on Tuesday, September 14, no one voiced an objection to the new budget, which has been set at $4,278,149 with 25 percent of it funded through ad valorem taxes.
Some of the 2021-22 budget highlights include:
Police Requests for funding $177,410;
Street Paving at $310,000;
Christmas Lights at $12,500;
New Fire Department request $14,578-$10,000 for safety inflatable lift, air bag;
1 percent raise to all city employees;
Animal Control improvements;
New Equipment purchases which have not been finalized for Street Department.
There are also improvements in Parks and Recreation designated for Marvin Jackson Park, $35,000; nets for four fields, $15,000; new side by side, $15,000; fencing repairs, $10,000; and batting cages, $9,000. Those funds are available through a special tax on lodging and fast foods which is not part of the general fund.
Mayor Dale Berry reported that the county will pick up limbs in the city limits but can not handle trees, which should be handled and removed by a licensed professional who is permitted through the city and must have liability insurance. City crews do not pick up heavy pieces of wood because of the damage it causes to city equipment. Berry reported that Alderman-at-large Sue Honea had attended a Main Street Program in Starkville on Beautification.
The mayor told the board they may need to have a special meeting to fill the slot held by Dena Moseley, who will be retiring from the City’s Water and Sewer Department. The goal was to get someone in to allow them to observe closing the month. Being on the job by that time would be beneficial for the new hire.
The board has hired Guest Construction to help manage some of the city projects. Bart Balard, a representative of Guest, told the board that there were serious problems with the ground water lines on the old Magee Elementary campus. He said that depending on how they wanted to do the repair, the project would determine the cost, but if the old line is dug up to replace the costs would exceed $50,000. He suggested other options like grouting a plastic line inside the existing pipe and grouting it in. He said this would also most likely be less expensive.
The facility that now occupies the old campus, a Headstart Center, was provided in a “you accept it in the condition it is in” agreement with the center’s leadership.
The board also discussed repair to the 5th Avenue bridge to provide foot traffic on both sides. No official estimates have been offered, but Ballard said they would charge $6,250 in engineering fees for design of the project. He said that could be used in future even if the city opted not to complete the project now.
Alderman Mark Grubbs appointed Anne Marie Holland to serve on the Zoning Board representing his district to replace Brien Hubbard ,who has had to be out of town for several meetings of the organization.
Bids were secured for the purchase of new equipment the city is considering with Trustmark submitting the best terms on the bid.
Mayor Berry reported that some issues needed correcting in the old satellite jail but rent has been paid and all of the paperwork is in order. He also reported that the former jail has a buyer but that the city must secure an appraisal before it can be declared surplus and sold.
