The City of Magee leadership is in the process of approving a new budget, and while the final numbers have not been adopted it appears this will be done without an additional tax burden on residents.
The current approximate valuation of a mill is $40,600. The millage for the city of Magee stands at 26 total mills with 22 mills designated to the general fund. The additional four mills go to debt service on a road bond which will pay off in 2024. According to Mayor Dale Berry, this will most likely stay in place to provide additional funding for paving projects for the city. He did add, however, that the final decision would be left to the Board of Aldermen as to whether that would happen.
The board is currently discussing a 3 percent cost of living raise for city employees, who did not get a cost of living adjustment for 2022. However, strong sales tax receipts over the past two years could impact the board’s decision to approve an increase.
A budget hearing will be held on September 6 with final budget approval set for September 13.
The new internet sales tax fund will also improve the city’s financial standing from $2.4 million to $2.7 million. This will go directly to the city’s general fund. The amount is the full installment of the tax fund that the state legislature implemented a few years ago created by adding a state tax to merchandise which was sold from out of state on the internet to buyers in Mississippi.
Berry said the board is planning a few capital expenditures that will include a Ditch Witch and Skid Steer for the Road Department at a cost of approximately $130,000. The board plans to purchase a new fire truck as well as a new roof for city hall. The roof is expected to cost $125,000.
The down payment on the fire truck is $284,327. When the request surfaced at a board meeting, it was recommended for keeping the fire ratings down for the city. The operating budget for the Fire Department including new equipment is $539,000.
The operating budget for the Police Department is projected at $1,481,000. According to Berry, this is a $250,000 increase over this year’s existing budget. The department had requested four new police cars to be added to the fleet. Berry said it appeared that only two would be added, however. He said four were purchased last year and four were already in service. He said the new units would provide each officer with their own police car. Berry said there is an additional position requested, that person would deal with the public rather than dispatchers working those requests.
The budget for the Street Department is increasing $100,000 to $373,000, which will allow for additional paving within the city.
