City aldermen, by a split vote, have rescinded a property tax increase that would have taken effect during the fiscal year starting Oct. 1. They did so during the regular monthly meeting of the mayor and Eupora Board of Aldermen on Sept. 3. Previously, during a recessed board meeting Aug. 19, a public hearing on the 2024-25 budget and tax levy was held. Copies of the budget and tax levy were provided for all citizens present. Hays Burchfield, Tim Robinson, Sandra Dewberry, Henry Ross, Lenwood Gladney, and Scott and Holly Pugsley were some of the citizens expressing concerns and discouraging the increase of the tax levy from 26 mills to 27.6 mills for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025. That is a 6 increase instead of the originally proposed 10% increase, meeting minutes note. Mayor Lamar Dumas announced when closing the hearing 20 minutes later that setting of the tax levy would be tabled until the next meeting Sept. 3, but no alderman actually made a motion to do so. However, the three aldermen present discussed the tax levy later in the meeting according to the city clerk — after those who attended the budget hearing had left. Jerry Gary (at-large) offered a motion that night to adopt the resolution setting the tax millage rate from 26 mills to 27.6 mills, the minutes show. Ricky Newton (Ward 3) seconded with all three aldermen voting aye. Junior Shaw (Ward 1) was the only other alderman present. All five board members were present Sept. 3, including Billy Tabb (Ward 2) and Robert Gibbs (Ward 4), who did not attend the previous meeting. Consideration of the adoption of the FY 2024-25 city budget was on the agenda under Board Business — municipal budgets must be approved by Sept. 15 each year. During the ensuing discussion, city resident Gina Brown asked about the board voting to increase taxes Aug. 19 after the mayor had said the matter would be tabled. Dumas told her the board did so following an unrelated executive session, which was for the purpose of personnel. Tabb, after consulting with City Attorney Joey Hood, made a motion to rescind the tax increase because it was approved the same night citizens at the budget hearing had been told the matter would be tabled. Formally, his motion included adopting a resolution fixing the tax levy at the current rate of 26 mills on each dollar valuation. Gibbs seconded the motion. Before aldermen voted, Hood received confirmation that the budget as proposed reflected the previously approved millage increase. Also before the board could vote, city resident Doris Tanner rose to speak when the mayor called for discussion about the motion. This basically led to a second budget hearing, with a number of people again voicing opposition to a tax increase. Tanner, referring to the effect of the tax increase on homeowners such as herself, noted the large number of renters in the city who do not have to pay property taxes. “The (rental property) owners are going to pay the taxes,” Alderman Gary replied. Aldermen Newton said, “We (also) have some living in the city limits who are exempt from paying taxes.” Dumas said the board did not want to raise taxes but that everything had gone up because of inflation. Jawanza Ellis said she understood that inflation was affecting the city, but stated, “We have to come up with a better solution.” She asked about efforts to bring in another factory/small plant as a way to avoid a tax increase. “We are pursuing businesses to come here, but the market (Starkville-Columbus) is so tough around us,” Dumas responded. He said if more businesses come in, “We may possibly see taxes come down. I have ideas that may bring more businesses inside the city.” Alderman Shaw said a city resident had jasked him that morning how people on a fixed income would be able to afford the tax increase. Ray Beeson recommended expanding the city limits as a potential way to lower property taxes. “That’s in consideration,” Dumas replied. Others addressing the board included Sherman Butler and James Townsend. When the board finally got around to voting, the motion carried 3-2. Tabb, Gibbs and Shaw voted aye while Gary and Newton voted in opposition. Therefore, the city’s tax levy will remain at 26 mills for the fifth consecutive fiscal year. Some of the people present applauded the board’s action. The city of Eupora published the resolution as a paid advertisement on page 7 in the Sept. 6 issue of the Progress-Times. ------------------------------ New Budget Adopted The board came back to adopting the budget after voting to rescind the tax increase. Gary noted it would have to be adjusted to come in line with the unchanged millage rate. Aldermen agreed to table the matter until Monday, Sept. 9. Public Works Director Odie Avery presented a revised budget with proposed adjustments during Monday’s special-called meeting. He said making the recommended changes would be the most straightforward way to reduce the budget. One recommended adjustment was in Parks and Recreation’s line item for capital improvements totaling $15,000. In the past, he said that line item was used for improvements/enhancements at Whites Creek Lake Park. The budget was revised to remove that line item. Now that the campground has seen an increase in revenue, Avery said the city can use those funds for capital improvements at the lake park, freeing up that $15,000. Avery also proposed adjusting the budget by reducing the number of estimated hours for part-time officer pay in the Police Department. He said that for the past four or five years about 4,300 hours had been banked for parttime pay. However, he said the department has never gone above 1,500 or 1,600 hours for part-time officers. Avery recommended adjusting the part-time hours from 4,300 to 3,000 hours, which would save another $16,100 and balance the budget as needed. He also said Police Chief Lawrence Caradine has done a good job managing his part-timers. Caradine, who was present, said he agreed with the revision. After Dumas called for a motion, Newton moved to adopt the proposed budget as presented. Tabb seconded and the motion was approved 4-0; Alderman Gibbs was absent. For the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025, the General Fund budget totals $3.1 million while the Water and Sewer Fund budget totals $5.2 million (both figures rounded off). Those respective budgets for this fiscal year are $3.8 million and $5.7 million.
