City of Picayune and Pearl River County pass tax increases
The Pearl River County Board of Supervisors passed a millage increase of 2.55 mills during their meeting yesterday. The increase will allow the county to borrow $9.5 million for 10 years for road repairs throughout the county.
The impact to residents will be approximately $25.00 per year based on a home with an assessed value of $100,000.00 according to Pearl River County Administrator Adrain Lumpkin.
The Picayune City Council approved a tax increase which has been discussed in detail as a means to increase the pay of the police department, replace an old and depleted fleet of patrol cars, and the construction of a new police headquarters.
City Manager Freddy Drennan and Mayor Jim Luke have spent the past month meeting with homeowners, civic clubs, and business owners in Picayune to explain the need to fund the abovementioned needs for the police department. (related information)
Guy Davis, a citizen from The Woods Subdivision, asked to speak in favor of the tax increase and stated that the numbers he had researched showed that Picayune’s current millage rate was well below that of other cities along the Interstate 59 corridor. Davis said Hattiesburg is at 53 mills, Purvis at 50, Lumberton at 56, Poplarville at 54.50, while Picayune is currently at 38.61 mills.
The council unanimously voted for the increase which according to the presentations previously given by Drennan will mean an extra $66.40 for a home with an assessed value of $65,000, which is the average assessed value in the city according to information Drennan received from Tax Assessor Gary Beech. Homeowners over 65 years of age are exempt and would not pay anything ($0).
The council also introduced their new police chief with the swearing of Joe Quave, who comes to Picayune Police Dept from the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, is well respected for his vast experience in all aspects of law enforcement.
Quave said it is an honor to chosen to lead the department and his mission is to work diligently to the best for the people of Picayune while glorifying God in his work.
