For the first time in more than a decade, millage imposed by the city of Columbia will increase.
The Columbia Board of Aldermen voted 5-0 last week to raise the city’s rate by four mills. That will equal about $40 extra per year for a $100,000 home.
“It’s the first time it has gone up in at least 12 years,” Mayor Justin McKenzie said. “We will be going up from 22 mils to 26 mills.”
The average millage in the state is 37 mills, according to the Mississippi Municipal League. Neighboring Tylertown recently increased its millage rate from 46 to 50 mills.
“I know we’re behind,” McKenzie said. “This will help bring the budget in line. Right now we don’t have money for extra projects, things like paving and purchasing equipment. We’re doing spot paving and we recently purchased a used truck to help the street department collect limbs and brush. The millage will allow us to provide better services to the residents.”
The increase is part of the proposed budget for the city, which would take effect on Oct. 1. A public hearing on the budget will be set soon.
The four mills could cost the owner of a home valued at $100,000 around $40 per year. Last year, each mill raised $68,820 for the schools and $53,944 for the city. Millage amounts could change, but for the upcoming budget year, a school mill will be worth $72,508 and city mill mill $55,853 because of reappraisal.
During last week’s meeting, the Board heard a presentation about Columbia High School’s Class of 2017 from Principal Sheila Burbridge. The Board also discussed partnering with the school district.
“We want to help improve our relationship with the City and Board,” Burbridge said. “We also appreciate the police presence in our school. We also want to thank everyone for their support of the bond issue.”
The Board then discussed the rental of the Columbia Expo Center for an upcoming rodeo and fair. Alderman-at-Large Edward Hough said deposits for use for major events are often too low at $200 to $300.
“I don’t think that deposit is near enough,” he said. “Why not make it $1,000? You’re going to more than ensure that someone will clean it up.”
The Board voted unanimously to raise the deposit fee to $1,000 with the money to be refunded or applied to the fee.
Roof repairs at the Duckworth Center were also discussed and Larry Jenkins brought bids to the Board.
“Back in May, I met with the Board and I was asked to get sealed bids on the roof,” he said. “It was decided that we needed to repair the roof before addressing issues with the floor inside the building. I’ve gotten two estimates to repair the floors and I have three sealed bids for the roof.”
Ward 3 Alderwoman Anna Evans expressed concerns about repairing the floor before several issues were addressed.
“We still need to look at something for the parking lot before the flooring,” she said. “We don’t want people tracking rocks or mud in on a new floor. The roof, yes, we need to do that to keep the building standing.”
The Board agreed the fixing the roof was a priority and Jenkins presented bids. Dement Roofing bid $6,600 for 25-year warranty shingles and $7,500 for 30-year. Philip Slocum bid $6,863 for 30-year and $6,358 for 3-tab shingles. The third bid, from Rowell Roofing was for $16,600 for 25-year 3-tab shingles. Architectural shingles would add $2,400.
The Board took the bids under advisement.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Columbia Board of Aldermen is set for 4 p.m. on Sept. 5 at City Hall.
