D.I. Smith -- Madison County Supervisor- District 3
Great men are not born; great men are made investing in the lives of others, sharing His love, and showing His mercies. Our calling is to be poured out into the lives of others for His glory.
“This is the first Supervisor who has developed the use of interactive technology in ways we’ve never seen – it really is remarkable!"
I've developed an Excel Spreadsheet program to allow you calculate and compare estimated taxes based on where you live, school district, and appraised value. It shows regular homestead exemption, over 65 special homestead exemption, and taxes when there is no homestead exemption.
The spreadsheet contains links to lots of on-line resources and information.
Summary and comparison of Madison County Tax Levy. A PUBLIC HEARING was conducted to review the Madison County FY 2010 Budget and associated Tax Levy, and they were approved by the Board of Supervisors, Tue, September 8, 2009.
The proposed 2009-2010 Budget was presented to the Board of Supervisors, Monday, August 17, 2009.
The Madison County Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on a proposed budget and tax levy for fiscal year 2010 on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. The Board of Supervisors anticipates no increase in ad valorem taxes for the fiscal year 2009-10.
FINAL RESULTS Final Results Madison County 2009 Tax Sale - Click to download Excel Spreadsheet http://htxt.it/4tQY
Sale lasted 2.5 days and was completed Wednesday, Sept 2, at 11:45 AM. ------------------------------ Monday, Aug 31, 2009, 8 a.m., Justice Court Bldg, Hwy 51 South, Canton, next to Sheriff's Dept.
As of 8/28/2009, there were 2680 parcels totaling $4.44 million in unpaid taxes and special assessments. Download Excel spreadsheet file at http://tinyurl.com/mz639h
So, bring your cash and potentially earn 1.5% per month! If you want to participate and bid on the properties, click here to download Tax Sale Application Form http://tinyurl.com/qmhl6y
PRESS RELEASE 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW l Washington, DC 20001 l 202.393.6226 l fax 202.393.2630 l www.naco.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jim Philipps July 30, 2009 202-942-4220, jphilipps@naco.org
Smith works toward strong economic recovery
Joins 3,000 county officials at NACo Annual Conference in Nashville
NASHVILLE, TENN. – D.I. Smith, Supervisor, Madison County participated in the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) 74th Annual Conference and Exposition in Nashville/Davidson County, Tenn. and pledged to work toward economic recovery. The conference was held July 24-28 in the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center.
More than 3,000 elected and appointed county officials representing nearly every state and the District of Columbia adopted resolutions on national issues facing counties, including economic development, transportation and infrastructure funding, and access to healthcare. Attendees also participated in educational seminars and workshops to strengthen their public service skills and heard from leading national experts on various issues important to local government.
Smith is a member of the Telecommunications and Technology Steering Committee and the Information Technology Standing Committee.
D.I. attended the day long Technology Summit, General Sessions, Committee Meetings, and attended the following Educational Sessions: Save Lives by Making Rural Road Safety a Priority; Transparency: Fulfilling the Promise of Open Government; The Economy’s Effect on Counties, Their Non-Profit Partners and the Community; Let THEM Tell You Where to Cut; Let Me See Your Body Talk; and Counties Partnering with the Federal Government for Veteran’s Services.
I know some of you are like me and don't pay much attention to the public notices in the classified section of local newspapers, but you might want to read this one or you may be surprised when you receive your annual tax statement later this year!
Below is the PUBLIC NOTICE which will run in the Madison County Herald announcing that the Madison County real and personal property assessment rolls are ready for inspection and examination; also, the instructions to follow if you have objections.
Madison County will take over garbage pickup in the non-incorporated areas of the County on October 1. Red River will continue to pick up recycles in platted subdivisions. Pickup days and routes for garbage and recycles remain the same.
Here are links to info you will find of use and interest.
Supervisor calls for comprehensive Performance audit of Madison County procedures and oversight for Engineer Contracting, planning, operations, and billing
CANTON, MS, June 22, 2009: Recent news articles regarding payments of $9.5M to the Madison County Engineer, Rudy Warnock, and his company, Warnock and Associates, have created an outrage among taxpayers; especially coming on the heels of the recent largest tax increase in Madison County history. The Citizens are rightly asking for answers as to who is in control and are all guidelines, procedures and statutes being followed? The Madison County taxpayers deserve nothing less than a full accounting.
The June 11, 2009, Madison County Journalarticle “Warnock paid $9.5 million since 2005”; and the June 18, 2009, EDITORIAL – “Review engineering fees” raise questions to as to subcontracting, change orders, re-design requests, and oversight and review of the County Engineer work and billing. And, have citizens asking “What are the “checks and balances” and are procedures and laws being followed? Are we being fleeced?”
We owe it to Madison County taxpayers to have a full and comprehensive independent performance and operational audit conducted by the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office, assisted by the American Council of Engineer Companies (ACEC) . This evaluation of all functional areas of the County Engineer operations procedures, sub-contracting, planning, and billing will determine the strengths and weaknesses of the business processes and provide direction to improve County response to taxpayer needs.
I strongly believe a full and comprehensive Performance and Operations Audit will provide the County with a solid foundation to make any necessary changes in the way we do business. Too often, important decisions are based on political whim, private agenda or ‘what looks good at the time’ without a long term strategy, comprehensive analysis and comparison of alternative options; and may not provide positive, cost effective or progressive results. Outside agencies with the solid reputation of the State Auditor’s Office provides a vast array of capabilities, experience and knowledge in these fields and will serve to capitalize on the existing strengths of Madison County.
The Performance and Procedural Audit should consist of a review of the following, but not limited to:
a. All aspects of the County Engineer operations, including sub-contractor pass through procedures, plans, change orders, review and oversight, and billing.
b. Review Board of Supervisor’s Budget Process and Compliance to Relevant Laws – review of strategic long range planning systems and implementation, review of Board minutes, financial activity and audits, accounting procedures, and receipt and filing of completed projects and associated documentation.
c. Workflow Analysis/Systems Review of related Major Departments – review of implementation of policies and procedures, review of purchasing, accounts payable, and receiving procedures, review of paperwork flow, etc.
d. Review and provide recommendations to improve project and program analysis and performance tracking resulting in open, accountable, transparent, and responsible government.
Additionally, much has been said about sub-contracting. I ask the Board of Supervisors to ask the County Engineer for the original copies of sub-contractor invoices for the environmental clearance work mentioned in the paper for Calhoun Station Phases II and III that was billed to the County for more than $325,000. It has been alleged that this work was actually done for less than $30,000. The taxpayers need the facts!
The goal is to review and evaluate the current level of service practices; determine what if anything has been done improperly; determine what improvements and efficiencies can be achieved though application of best business practices; and to reassure residents of Madison County that proper procedures are being followed and their money is wisely spent, especially during these troubling economic times.
The applicant is applying for a Department of the Army Permit for the discharge of dredged and/or fill material into waters, including wetlands of the United States in Madison County, Mississippi. NCL Waste, LLC, proposes to construct a solid waste landfill to satisfy the disposal and sanitation needs of the Jackson metropolitan area and surrounding region. The proposed project would provide a much needed location for safe and environmentally regulated disposal of solid waster.
The NCL Landfill is located on a 165-acre tract of land located in Madison County, Mississippi. NCL currently owns the proposed land and would be operating the landfill. The NCL Landfill would be used for the disposal of non-hazardous household, commercial, and industrial solid wastes generated from the Jackson metropolitan area and surrounding communities. The proposed capacity of the NCL Landfill would be 14,200,000 cubic yards.
Interested parties must file a request for a "public hearing" prior to June 23, 2009, or it will be assumed that no one has a problem with another sanitary landfill in south Madison County.
Among other things, this new landfill will result in huge increases of large truck traffic on Madison County Roads including Hwy 463, Coker, Lake Cavalier, North Livingston, Greens Crossing, Rouser Road, Old Agency, etc.
There are 18 active solid waste landfills in the State of Mississippi. No county has more than 1 except Madison County, which has two: Little Dixie off North County Line Road, and the sanitary landfill just south of Canton. If this permit is approved, then Madison County will have 3 solid waste landfills out of only 19 in the entire State of Mississippi!
Help Stop Voter Fraud in Mississippi Join the fight for Real Photo Voter ID
Join the effort for real Photo Voter ID. You can visit the link below for a downloadable pdf version of the actual Voter ID Petition:www.ms4voterid.com. When printing the real Photo Voter ID petition, please be sure to change the setting on your computer/printer to format for printing on LEGAL-sized paper and use LEGAL-sized paper (8.5x14). The law requires the petition to be on legal-sized paper.
Once you have the petition printed out, please try to get as many signatures as possible (following the instructions) and mail the petition back in to Voter ID, PO BOX 60, Jackson, MS 39205.
MADISON COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - Some Madison county homeowners could face big bills protecting their homes from floods in the future.
New flood risk maps for the county are placing homes in a flood area, when they never were before.
Residents in those areas could be forced to buy flood insurance by F.E.M.A..
Harvey Crossing Homeowners Association President Frank Halford is racing against the clock to get his subdivision exempt from the recently flood risk maps.
A large portion of the neighborhood is for the first time listed in a flood area, which would mean mandatory flood insurance for residents.
"They could find themselves all of a sudden be paying $100.00 a month extra for flood insurance they probably don't need," says Halford.
Halford is working with Harvey Crossing developers to provide F.E.M.A. with information proving all the homes sit above the flood plain.
He and other residents have until April 22nd to appeal the new flood maps.
Across the county residents are being urged to challenge their flood risk.
If they don't or can't they'll have to pay flood insurance, which they can save a great deal on if they get it before the April deadline.
"On a $200,000.00 house with $80,000.00 in coverage it could be around $326.00 a year if they get it today before the maps go into effect if they have it then they're grandfathered when the maps go into effect and they will be able to get it at about half of the $2,000.00," says District 3 Supervisor D.I. Smith.
Homebuyers are also being urged to inquire about the new flood risk.
The added flood insurance could drastically increase house payments depending on where people live.
One good thing about the new maps.
Some residents have been removed from flood areas, which will mean a savings for them.
"Based on what I've been told by the engineers, we should be able to overcome this."
Madison county residents are being urged to contact their city flood plain manager, or the county planning and zoning department, to find out if their home will be affected.
D.I. SMITH, Madison County Supervisor, District 3, recently returned from the nation’s capital with a new sense of optimism about Restoring the Partnership between counties and the federal government, but remained concerned about the tough economic times and difficult decisions that await county officials in the months ahead.
Supervisor D.I. Smith participated in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2009 Legislative Conference, March 7-11, in Washington, D.C.,which featured remarks from four U.S. cabinet secretaries. One of the main objectives of the Legislative Conference is to bring county and federal government officials together to discuss key priorities and specific legislation, regulations and funding levels affecting local government services and programs.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MADISON COUNTY TRASH PICKUP? Scroll down and complete poll in right column. ALSO, PROVIDE YOUR COMMENTS BY CLICKING "Comments" below. --------------------------- February 19, 2009
Supervisors tackle trash pick-up issue
By Lucy Weber lweber@mcherald.com
Madison County officials are starting to consider how garbage will be picked up starting Oct. 1.
The Board of Supervisors is looking at staying with current contractor Red River, switching providers or putting the county back in the trash business.
"We're in the process of deciding," board president Paul Griffin said at the supervisors' meeting Tuesday.
"I'd like to save money, but my deal on garbage is service," Griffin said. "We're missing some service when it's privatized. Who can serve best? Those out to make money or those to serve the people? Madison County employees are out to serve the people."
The county's four-year contract with Red River expires Sept. 30. Two weeks ago, supervisors voted to give the company six-months notice they planned to terminate the contract for once-a-week garbage pickup. However, the county can still renew the two-year option on Red River's contract.
"They haven't ruled anything in or out," board attorney Eric Hamer said.
District 1 Supervisor John Bell Crosby asked the board to consider all options for garbage disposal by seeking information from companies that could be interested in the job and input from the county's road department on how it would handle the trash pickup.
"I realize that doing it ourselves is an option but we need to look at all our options," Crosby said.
Crosby's motion failed. District 3 Supervisor D.I. Smith voted with Crosby while Griffin, Tim Johnson of District 2 and Karl Banks of District 4 voted against seeking requests for proposals (RFPs).
"At some point we can decide. We don't want to lock ourself into RFPs," Johnson said.
The county sold its aging garbage trucks when it turned over garbage pickup to Red River. Getting new trucks will take several months so the process would need to start by early April if that's the direction the county chooses, purchasing clerk Hardy Crunk told the board.
Chip Barton of Red River and Buford Clark of Waste Management asked the supervisors to consider their services.
"We'd like to talk about renewing for two more years," Barton said.
"We want to be one of your options," Clark said. "We think we can save you some money."
County administrator Donnie Caughman said initial estimates are that it would cost the county $1.8 million to resume garbage collection services while the cost to say with Red River is $2 million annually.
If the county does not contract with an outside company for pickup, then the county has a choice for doing the job in-house.
The supervisors agreed to hire an outside consultant to conduct a feasibility study of creating a Madison County solid waste collection authority.
"This lets the county operate solid waste collection like a business," consultant Jim McNaughton said. "It's more professional."
The authority would be a separate entity under county government and allows for more accountability in garbage pickup, McNaughton said. "I would encourage you to do this on an enterprise basis," he said. "If the county wants to get into the garbage collection business, now is an opportune time."
The county could establish an authority and then invite other cities or counties to join in the enterprise and share the cost or pick up trash in other locales under contracts. The advantages of an authority are to control the level of service and to control long-term costs, McNaughton said.
The feasibility study will determine what the county's cost will be to begin the service compared to private companies, he said. "We can put the numbers to it to see if it makes sense."
The county will pay McNaughton $150 per hour for the feasibility study that is expected to be completed in 40-60 hours.
Johnson said he's leery of establishing a Madison County authority. Instead, he said he would rather see the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District set up the authority and allow Madison County to participate through it.
RIDGELAND, MS, FEBRUARY 18, 2009: The Madison County Flood Risk Maps have been revised and the drafts are in the appeal stage. A "Flood Map Open House" Public Meeting was held November 6, 2008, Board Room, County Administrative Office Complex, Canton, so all residents could learn about the process and review the draft digital flood maps and aerial photos of their property to determine how it would be rated based on the newly revised draft flood maps.
If your home is now mapped as being within a high risk flood zone (A or AE zone), http://tinyurl.com/madflood, and it was not previously, you should purchase flood insurance prior to the map becoming effective. This will enable you to lock in a better premium rate. If you wait until the map is effective, your rate will be much higher. Questions concerning the maps should be directed to the County or City Floodplain Administrator, who is charged with collecting any protest or appeal actions. http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/fq_main.shtm
The official 90-day appeal phase started January 22, 2009, and is on-going until April 22, 2009. Based on their situation, property owners can appeal by providing elevation certificates, and other info detailing why their rating should be changed, or why they shouldn't be considered to live in a flood zone! Additional detailed info is located on-line at http://tinyurl.com/mapappeal
Homeowners can also now purchase Flood Insurance at a reduced premium and be “grandfathered.” A great resource for homeowners is http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/hm_main.shtm
County Supervisors have maps of subdivisions in their districts that potentially will be affected by the revised flood maps. The Madison County Flood Plain contact for unincorporated areas is Brad Sellers, 601.855.5501. Also, each municipality has a flood plain contact person.
Madison County has 8 State Representatives and 4 State Senators. Please take the time to know who your State Legislators are and provide them input regarding your concerns and issues! Be informed; be involved!
12/18/2008 5:04:00 AM Agency directors resign after change
By STEVEN G. WATSON Associate Editor
Four members of the Madison County Citizens Service Agency's board of directors have resigned amid questions about a recent change in the board's makeup.
The agency provides goods and services to underprivileged residents in Madison County.
April 11, 2008: COMPLETE POLLS ON RIGHT SIDE... CLICK ON COMMENTS below TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS.
I STRONGLY AGREE that the Ashton Park landscaped area/wall should be built immediately and paid for by the PID Board/developers. It is a travesty, and insult, to the residents of Ashton Park that it hasn't already been constructed!
Before construction of Galleria Parkway was started the PID Board and developers were supposed to have coordinated a plan for a landscaped 50' buffer area between the proposed parkway and Ashton Park. This area should have been developed as planned and agreed to as the parkway construction began.
Instead, the developers sold some of the right-of-way to install a Nissan water line, and the proceeds didn't go to the development of the promised landscaped area.
Now the taxpayers of Madison County are being fleeced with another un-programmed and un-budgeted, and possibly illegal/improper, expense that is estimated to run at least $400,000! Instead, this expense should be paid for by the Parkway Public Improvement (PID) Board.
This entire project should be carefully reviewed by the State Attorney General, the State Auditor and the State Ethics Commission.
I get tons of complaints about speeding on County roads and neighborhood streets. However, Sheriff Toby Trobridge and his deputies have to fight the battle to keep us safe without the use of radar. We are a highly urbanized county with neighborhoods that are exactly like those in the cities where the police have the tools to keep the citizens safe.
Help prevent future potential "thrill hill" accidents... If you would like to involve your neighborhood in a campaign to obtain this capability for our Sheriff's Department,I've created a document with contact info and maps so you know who your State Representative and Senator are.
It is complex since we have 8 members of the State Legislature and 4 members of the Senate representing the interest of Madison County citizens at the State Capitol. Sadly, few know who our State Representatives and Senators are.
Take a moment and let them know that you are interested in what they are doing to help make you and your family safer by providing radar to our local sheriff.
MDOT Project No. NH-0055-21(163)/102315 001000 Madison County
The initial Stakeholder Interviews were conducted on Monday, October 13, 2008, to gather input on the proposed project during early phases of the NEPA (National Environmental Protection Act) process. Information on why the proposed project is needed has been provided to MDOT reps and their environmental contractor for the project: Gresham, Smith and Partners.
MDOT hopes to be able to "fast track" this project.
There are many questions and decisions that must be addressed as part of the environmental impact process. One of the most critical decisions may be whether to close the overpass leaving only the on/off access ramps on either side during specific portions of the reconstruction. This option is estimated to shave months off the construction time frame and save a substantial amount in terms of costs.
Intial public reviews are estimated to be conducted in the Jan/Feb 2009 timeframe.
Your comments are greatly appreciated. Click below.
The people of Madison County spoke loud and clear via a barrage of petitions, emails and letters in manner never witnessed in Madison County Politics and providing the motivation for the 3 members of the Madison County Board of Supervisors who masterminded a text book “Bait & Switch” routine two weeks ago in which an additional 3 mills were added to an announced 3.33 tax increase; for a total of 6.33 mills, to reconsider.
Over 6,000 petitions were received by the Madison County Chancery Clerk requesting that the shady tax hike be rescinded and any future plans for bond issue undergo a full public review and referendum.
After a futile attempt to explain away the tax hike with a shallow explanation laying the blame on how a two year old previous 1.5mil tax cut, the 3-year old privatization of trash pick up, and even overstating the amount of increased annual support costs for Holmes Junior College resulted in the requirement for a 3.33 mil increase; Board President Tim Johnson never gave an explanation for all the rhetoric of the last 2.5 years as to how there would be no tax hike for the building of Reunion Parkway and Reunion Interchange on I-55; nor why Madison County taxpayers should be burdened with the virtually unheard of local requirement to pay for an Interstate Interchange.
Reunion Interchange would be the first one in Mississippi to be paid for by local government and one of a handful in the entire United States!
In reality, much of the increase is going for Bond Debt Service Costs to pay for the last $50 million bond issue which was approved in 2006 (issued $5M in 2006; $12M in 2007; $33M in 2008), and the income from a 5.3% new growth will help cover costs of inflation, etc.
Actually 2.60 mills goes to bond debt service costs and .73 mils to General County for a 3% pay raise to County Employees and other items. President Tim Johnson stated that a million dollars was required for waste management, but actually the millage for that area was reduced. He also stated that $1M was required for Holmes Junior College, but it is actually less than a 0.5 mil or less than $500K.
Not mentioned was the fact that the 2008 Budget was a deficit budget which included $700K from the uncommitted cash (reserve account). None of this $700K was used, but was it was still included in the 2008 Budget figure... so, that is $700,000, 0.7 mil that could have been reduced from the 3.33 mil increase right off the top!
After discussion, a motion was made by D.I. Smith, with a second by John Bell Crosby to the roll the tax hike back to zero, but that was defeated with a 2-3 split vote; and the 3.33 mil tax increase was passed by a vote of 3-1-1. Tim Johnson, Karl Banks, and Paul Griffin voted for the increase. D.I. Smith voted against it, and John Bell Crosby abstained.
Afterward, Board President Tim Johnson announced that he would not be seeking re-election.
More that 150 residents were present for the hearings and a number expressed frustration with how the County could even consider a tax increase with all the new growth and during these trying economic times, questioning management, engineering fees, and also demanding open, transparent and accountable government. Even Mayor Hawkins-Butler, City of Madison, made a passionate plea for the Board to conduct a scrub of the $60mil budget with an eye for cuts and cost savings and not have any tax increase. That advice went unheeded!
Then Monday night, news started spreading of the outrageous Canton Municipal Separate School District tax hike. They had published Notice for a planned 2.5 mill increase, but late Monday adopted a whopping 19.4 mill increase! Then, on Tuesday after a public outcry rolled the increase back to a 7.7 mill increase. So, many Madison residents will not only have to pay 10% higher county taxes, but now have a 25% increase in Canton School Taxes from 30.89 to 38.59 mills! So, many Madison County taxpayers attended the wrong meeting Monday and were not aware of the huge increase!
Many, many Madison County residents have requested a way to express their sentiment regarding the recent Madison County tax hike and are using this petition as an official way to communicate and make feelings a part of the permanent record of Madison County.
The Chancery Clerk office says the fax is running continuously and hasn't shut off for hours. They are also accepting scanned emailed copies or email notes with the petition cut and pasted into the body of the note with name and address info provided. They may be sent to: Chancery Clerk at mailto:chanceryclerk@madison-co.com
They are even keeping a log of phone calls to the Chancery Clerk office regarding the tax hike!
Experienced office personnel say there has been nothing equal to this since the "100% reappraisal of property" in 2002-2003 time frame!
In 2006, my former Madison County Board of Supervisors colleague Doug Jones and I voted against and wrote against a slip-shod $50 million bond issue, knowing it would lead to a tax increase. Now, that is exactly what has happened to Madison County taxpayers.
Doug joined me this past week in writing a follow-up column addressing the facts that led to this outrage. Those who are interested in reading it may find it set out in full below.
As readers will note, the tactics used by the majority of the Madison County Board of Supervisors last week, when they jacked up the tax rate by 20%, perfectly mirror their tactics two years ago when they doubled the county's debt load to about $100 million. Where have you gone, Yogi Berra?
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Click to see news article from February 2006 explaining how our current tax fiasco started!
It's deja vu all over again: Here is a follow up opinion piece
POSTED: 11:40 pm CDT September 4, 2008 Madison County Taxpayers Upset Over Double Increase
MADISON COUNTY, Miss. -- Madison County taxpayers are angry about a property tax hike double than anticipated, 16 WAPT reported.
The county's Board of Supervisors approved a 6.3 mil increase this week, which prompted a strong response to Feedback 16.
From the Internet to the radio, taxpayers want to know why their taxes jumped by the largest amount in the county's history, 16 WAPT's Joseph Pleasant said.
"I would personally like to see Tim Johnson, Karl Banks and Paul Griffin resign," said Frank Halford, a taxpayer, referencing the members of the Board of Supervisors who voted in favor of the mil increase.
The board heard public comment on a 3.3 mil increase before closing public comment and voting on a 6.3 mil increase.
"It's a classic case of bait and switch," Halford said.
Madison County taxpayers are angry at the Board of Supervisors and Board President Tim Johnson, in particular.
A radio ad tells listeners, "Tim Johnson raised your taxes. He had some help -- yeah -- but he was the ring leader."
Johnson, who spoke with 16 WAPT from Birmingham, said the mil tax increase will go exclusively to road projects in the county.
"I truly believe, as we build the infrastructure Madison County needs, that's going to encourage economic and commercial development," he said.
District 3 Supervisor D.I Smith said about 50 taxpayers have called and posted to his Web site DISmith.com. Smith said infrastructure is a top priority -- especially at the Gluckstadt Interstate 55 interchange -- but he voted against the tax increase.
"We ought to do it the way we did it in the past: A partnership," he said.
Smith points to the Highland Colony Parkway, where developers, cities and the counties funded the road without a tax increase.
"For families now, it's probably the worst time for us to have this type of tax increase," Smith said.
On a $200,000 home, the increase amounts to about $126. The increase will be even more for people annexed into the city of Madison this year. Smith said those residents will be paying about 28 mils in city taxes for the first time.
WAPT left messages for supervisors John Bell Crosby, Griffin and Banks, but they did not return the station's calls.
During the last few weeks I've been asked numerous times about taxes, impact of City of Madison Annexation, and impact of Madison County tax millage levy increases. So, to help individuals analyze the various complex tax questions I developed an Excel spreadsheet program which is pretty handy in helping to answer your questions .... click here to down load the Madison County Real Property Tax Calculator file.
I hope this is useful to you. If you have suggested improvements please call or email. Please click below to post comments! Thanks!
Tuesday, Sept 2, 2008, a PUBLIC HEARING was conducted to review the upcoming 2008-2009 budget and associated tax levy. A public notice had been previously published announcing the budget hearing and proposed 3.33 mil tax levy.
Then on Tuesday after the PUBLIC HEARING closed, the County Administrator informed the Board of "New Growth and Requirements." It is anticipated that another $5oM bond issue will be needed to cover the costs of the projects. So, another 3 mils was added to the already proposed 3.33 mil levy totaling 6.33 mils. There was outrage expressed by many in attendance that such a "Bait and Switch" scheme would be used and many expressed concern as to whether the tax increase was legal with out proper PUBLIC NOTICE.
Supervisors Tim Johnson, Karl Banks and Paul Griffin voted for the increased taxes; and John Bell Crosby and D.I. Smith voted against the increase.
Several residents stated they would oppose future bond issues by signing a petition requesting a referendum on the proposed $50 bond issue. If 1,500 residents sign a petition, the proposed bond issue will have to be approved by voters through a referendum.
On a $100,000 house, the annual tax increase will be $63.30; on a $200,000 house, $126.60. On a $300,000 house, it will be $189.90 annually and $253.20 on a $400,000 house.
The Madison Count Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on its proposed budget and on a proposed ad valorem tax revenue increase for fiscal year 2009 on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. in the board room of the Madison County Office Complex at 125 W. North Street. Canton, Mississippi.
The Madison County Board of Supervisors is now operating with a projected total budget revenue of $59,075,686. (Forty-five percent) or $26,638,883, of such revenue is obtained through ad valorem taxes. For next fiscal year, the proposed budget has total projected revenue of $69,798,446. Of that amount, 45 percent or $31,556,839, is proposed to be financed through a total ad valorem tax levy.
For next fiscal year, the Madison County Board of Supervisors plans to increase your ad valorem tax millage rate by 3.33 mills from 32.30 mills to 35.63 mills. This increase means that you will pay more in ad valorem taxes on your home, automobile tag, utilities, business fixtures and equipment and rental real property.
Any citizen of Madison County is invited to attend this public hearing on the proposed ad valorem tax increase, and will be allowed to speak for a reasonable amount of time and offer tangible evidence before any vote is taken.
In addition to this year's tax sale proceedings, property owners also must pay their outstanding 2005 taxes before Aug. 28 or tax sale deeds can be issued to investors who purchased properties at the tax sales two years ago.
As of this week, about 332 of Madison County's properties that were sold during the 2006 tax sale have not been redeemed, Johnston said.
"There has been a ton of payments from July until now," he said. "We'll see a lot more leading up to the deadline."
Johnston said his office aims to whittle the number of parcels down to 100 before tax sale deeds are issued. About 89 did not pay by the deadline last year.
"We do everything in our power to get the taxes paid before people lose their land," he said.
Still, about two dozen people will turn at some point, saying they didn't know their property had gone through the tax sale process, he said.
I know some of you are like me and don’t pay much attention to the public notices in the local newspapers, but you might want to read this one or you may be surprised when you receive your annual tax statement!
Many residents have been asking what will be the impact of annexation on their property taxes. An estimate can be obtained by using The Real Property Tax Estimate
which is located on the Madison County Tax Assessors web site.
If you don't know the value of your property you can use the Land Roll Express Search
to find the value of your land and improvements.
Using the The Real Property Tax Estimate calculate the amount of tax selecting the appropriate filing status and selecting "None" as the City. Click calculate... this should be close to what the taxes are now. Then change the City to Madison and re-calculate. Remember to select the correct School District: Canton or Madison. This will give a close approximation of your taxes after annexation.
You can also use the The Real Property Tax Estimate to see the huge impact of Homestead Exemption. Not only does it decease your actual tax by $300 or more, but it reduces the assessed value from 15% of appraised value to 10%.
The City of Madison millage is 43.8% higher than the City of Ridgeland. Click here to see current Millage Rates .
D.I. Smith attended the State Executive Development Institute (SEDI) conducted by the John C. Stennis Institute of Governement, Mississippi State University, May 4-9, 2008.
The State Executive Development Institute (SEDI) is an annual educational workshop offered by the John C. Stennis Institute of Government. The SEDI is designed to prepare mid- to upper-level state and local government executives to be more effective leaders. A broad range of topics are presented by government officials, researchers, and instructors in order to provide participants a well-rounded and applicable curriculum. The SEDI curriculum includes management theory, organizational development concepts and techniques, administrative and applied management techniques, and a variety of other related and timely topics.
Held on the campus of Mississippi State University, SEDI brings many of the unique resources found on the university campus to the program. Mississippi State Personnel Board Certified Public Manager Program and participants may also receive three graduate-level hours in Public Policy Administration at Mississippi State University upon completion of the program.
A maximum of 30 participants are chosen to attend SEDI each year, based on applicants’ professional experience and responsibilities. Priority is given to Mississippi’s senior state and local officials.
Where is the new Madison County Admin Office Complex located?
146 Center St or 125 W. North St
The Madison County Board of Supervisors is now meeting in the new Board Room located in the new Madison County Office Complex. It is attached to the Chancery Court Building which is on the north side of the Canton Square... Just enter the building and go down the hall and into the new building... the board room is on the 1st floor.
Or you can enter directly into the new building from the north side (North Street). But you will have to take the elevator to 1st floor.
The state Department of Health confirmed today Mississippi’s first human case of West Nile virus for the year in Lincoln County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the second reported human case in the United States for 2008.
For more information on the virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, a checklist to reduce the mosquito population in and around homes and a brochure on the virus, visit the MSDH Web site at www.HealthyMS.com/westnile or call the WNV toll-free hotline from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-877-978-6453.
Use this link to submit an email request for a Pothole Repair on roads and streets outside of city limits.
Also, if you see roads requiring "shoulder repair," e.g., where there is a drop off or trench between the asphalt and the gravel, please submit a repair request by modifying the email.
There are a number of issues and hard decisions that must be made as we move forward in Madison County. I welcome your input on all county matters. Please feel free to post any inquiries, comments or suggestions. Please complete POLL Questions in the column to the right! A BRIEF SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT MADISON COUNTY ISSUES:
Balancing requirements and resources for New Construction, i.e. Reunion Parkway and I-55 Interchange...
...With Maintenance & Repair:
Existing Roads
Please help by providing your ideas and opinions on priorities for Madison County. PLEASE ADD YOUR COMMENTS, IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS:
County Government in Mississippiis formatted in the popular portable document format (pdf). A pdf reader such as the free Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view this publication. Click here to download a free reader now.
On occasion, I am asked, “What does a county supervisor do?”
Here are some things I believe:
Being a supervisor means making decisions based on the best information available.
It means projecting budgets based on worst-case experiences, while still trying to protect basic services and staff.
It means understanding the needs of businesses and health care.
It means determining how to successfully compete for limited bond money.
It means fighting to keep water in our streams.
It means working with chambers, industry leaders and community groups.
It means listening to our council members and city officials so we understand common needs and goals.
It means understanding the importance of the special districts that provide the water we drink and maintaining the waste treatment systems we silently depend on.
It means sharing resources to insure that fire departments and law enforcement can be there for everyone.
It means recognizing how essential our volunteer groups are and providing support for them: The Library Foundation, CASA, Cancer Society, Easter Seals, volunteer police patrols, Soroptimists, Making Headway, the coaches and PTA members, school officials and many others that make this community special.
It means listening to the people and doing your best to understand their concerns and resolving problems that arise.
It means growing, learning and trying your best to avoid being opinionated.
Most of all, it means working for and beside the people who have entrusted you with a great responsibility.
Jimmy Smith is a candidate for re-election as Humboldt County supervisor for the 1st District. He lives in Eureka."
are about to turn 18 (can register while 17, but must be 18 to vote),
or have never registered to vote, we would like to help you complete the registration process. It is very easy to become a registered voter. Click on the link below and download the registration form.
Download mail-in Register to Voteapplication form Mail Completed form to: Lee Westbrook Circuit Clerk Madison County P.O. Drawer 1626 Canton, MS 39046 Contact the Circuit Clerk's office for additional information (601-859-4365 or 601-352-2049)
D.I. Smith recalls the lessons he learned growing up in the Delta town of Sidon and watching his father, a Leflore County supervisor for eight years.
Probably one of the earliest lessons in ethics Smith said he ever received came on his family's farm when there was a bulldozer just sitting there. A local dealer had brought it out for his father to try.
"I asked my father 'Why aren't you using it?' He said, 'It's not right for me to be getting the benefit of it,'" Smith recalls his father saying. "'They brought it so I'd be indebted.'"
Now, decades later, Smith wants to follow the tradition of his father and his grandfather, also a Leflore supervisor. "I hope I can measure up to their standards," he said.
Supervisor, District 3, Madison County, Mississippi;
WELCOME!
Thank you for visiting my web site. Linda and I want to thank you for your prayers and support; and I'm honored to serve the citizens of Madison County, as Supervisor, District 3. Please contact me if I can be of any assistance.
Please use this web site to provide your opinions and suggestions for making Madison County an even greater place to live and work!
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