Published: August 20, 2008 10:41 am      

Madison County weighs tax hike

Canton, Miss. — Madison County supervisors say they are considering a tax increase to offset the rising costs of fuel, asphalt and other construction projects.

The proposed budget for the 2009 fiscal year includes a 3.33-millage increase that would push the rate to 35.63 mills.

Despite a 5 percent growth in assessed property values, county administrator Donnie Caughman says the growth numbers are needed for everyday costs, every fund and every department.

He says the fuel line item in the budget went up 30 percent overall.

Under the proposal, the owner of a home valued at $100,000 would pay $33.30 more a year in property taxes.

Caughman says the largest increases in the budget, which goes into effect October 1, are for roads and bridges, debt service, public safety and building and grounds.