Tax increase for Lauderdale County School District approved

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Miss. (WTOK) - A small tax increase for Lauderdale County School District was approved Monday by the Board of Supervisors.

The Lauderdale County School District asked the Board of Supervisors for the millage increase, about .67, and allows $180,000 to be added to the budget.

This increase will be based on the size and value of each person’s property and help cover the cost of the budget increase for the new school year.

“The schools did go up slightly to what I understand is their max for asking without having to have a referendum. So, yes, the schools did request to go up and it’s our job to O.K. that. And if we don’t O.K. that and the schools were to have a shortfall, it could come back and fall on the board of supervisors to pick up that shortfall,” said Lauderdale Co. Board of Supervisors President Jonathan Wells.

Lauderdale County School Board President Kelvin Jackson released a statement:

“We asked our administrators to make all cuts that would not compromise students’ safety nor jeopardize academic achievement. Great consideration has been given to this request, which is the result of the continued high cost of fuel, sanitizing products, shipping and insurance,” said Jackson.

The Board of Supervisors said the Tax Collector’s Office will mail out notices this December for 2023.

Copyright 2022 WTOK. All rights reserved.