2009 Madison County Tax Calculator

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.

REMINDER:  Homestead Exemption must be applied for during January through March. Once a new property owner applies, normally they don't have to resubmit. 

The spreadsheet contains links to lots of on-line resources and information.

Click here to down Excel Spreadsheet file. http://tinyurl.com/yklc949

Madison County FY 2010 Budget and Tax Levy

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.

Final Draft FY 2010 Tax Levy approved by Board of Supervisors, Sept 8, 2009

Comparison of Tax Levy FY 2008/2009/2010

Summary of Tax Levy FY 2010 - FY 2004

Comparison of 2009 Tax Levy by County, City of Madison and Ridgeland

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.

Click to download NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING This is a must read!!!

Click here to download txt version copy of the Proposed FY 2010 Budget (includes fund and department info)

Click here to download Excel version copy of the Proposed FY 2010 Budget (does not include fund and department info)

Click here to download Dept list

Click here to download Fund list

Madison County Tax Sale 2009

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.
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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

See more discussion and info... eNews UPDATE: Unredeemed 2006 taxes and 2009 Tax Sale Info

Contact the Madison County Tax Collector for more information.

Be in the know... be informed... be aware... be engaged! Join the Madison County Facebook Group!

PRESS RELEASE: National Association of Counties (NACo) 2009 Annual Conference

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.

Click here for entire Press Release...

Madison County 2009 Property Tax Roll Review and Inspection

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. You can either go to the Chancery/Administrative Building in Canton to inspect the rolls, or you can look up the info, including the true market value on your property, at http://www.madison-co.com/elected_offices/tax_assessor/real_property_search.php Read more... See PUBLIC NOTICE

Recycling and Solid-Waste/Garbage Collection in Madison County

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.

http://tinyurl.com/MadCoRecycle

http://tinyurl.com/MadCoRecycle-list

http://tinyurl.com/appliancerecycle

Other info related to solid-waste/garbage collection in Madison County

Supervisor calls for comprehensive Performance Audit of County Engineer Function

Press Release

Contact: D.I. Smith Phone: (601) 707-8845

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10 A.M. DST, June 22, 2009

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 Journal article “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.

SEE WLBT TV3 News

Clarion Ledger Panel to eye contracts
Madison County engineer's work under scrutiny

Here is a link to the WAPT News article and video from the Tuesday, 10 PM, news.... http://tinyurl.com/waptaudit

See the 3 related articles at the Madison County Journal
http://www.onlinemadison.com/

MCJ Editorial http://preview.tinyurl.com/ntk3ha

See the Madison County Herald article and comment at http://tinyurl.com/n52j8d

See the Madison County Journal -- Auditor: No investigation into fees at http://tinyurl.com/nk6ndp

Comments from BLOG, FaceBook and Emails regarding Madison County Engineer Pay and Call for Procedural Audit http://tinyurl.com/kmnynd

Mannsdale - Livingston Heritage Preservation District

Mannsdale - Livingston Heritage Preservation District: During the April 6 BOS meeting, it was voted to have a Public Hearing, May 18, to discuss the Mannsdale - Livingston Heritage Preservation District and possibly consider abolishing it. Click here to see Madison County Journal article "Johnson Questions Mannsdale District." The Mannsdale - Livingston Preservation District is on the Mississippi Heritage Foundation's List of 10 Most Endangered Historic Places

UPDATE -- The Madison County Board of Supervisors did not make changes to the Mannsdale - Livingston Heritage Preservation District. Thanks to all!!!

Madison County Flood Map Revision

Madison County, MS 03/16/09
Flood risk maps appeal deadline

Posted: March 16, 2009 05:22 PM

Updated: March 16, 2009 07:53 PM

Flood risk maps appeal deadline

By David Kenney - bio | email

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.

NACo Press Release: D.I. Smith: Nation’s counties committed to working toward economic recovery

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.

Click here for entire press release.

Garbage Pickup Changes Mulled

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.
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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.

Madison County Flood Zone Map Revisions Underway

Press Release

Contact: D.I. Smith Phone: (601) 707-8845

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5 P.M. CDT, February 18, 2009

MADISON COUNTY FLOOD ZONE MAP REVISIONS UNDERWAY

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.

Click here for the entire Press Release

State Senator and Representative Contact Info and District Maps

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!

Click here to download bios and district maps for the Madison County State Legislators.

Representative Mark Baker (R) Dist 74

Discuss How to Change Madison County... Make a Difference!

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