Tate County, MS Reviewing Possible Tax Hike

(Tate Co., MS) Dozens crowded into a Tate County, MS courthouse room Tuesday, wondering what a possible 3 percent property tax hike would mean for them.

“The tax rate wasn’t too bad we came down and investigated,” said Sue Jamison.

Twenty-one years later, the elderly couple says they could get overwhelmed by the hike.

They are exempt from some taxes because of their age, but not all, because of how much property they own.

Add in other expenses, and they fear they won’t be able to keep up with their tax payments.

“Everything has gone up and we realize that each and every day,” expressed Jamison.

County administrator Rufus Warren said everything the county buys to run is more expensive, “We try to keep the roads in good shape, the courthouse open and fire protection and law enforcement. All those things that are necessary for a community to function.”

Warren says if they don’t raise taxes, services have to be cut.

Right now, he doesn’t know what services would be cut, but calls that option not safe.

 ”When you call 911, you need an ambulance. You want someone to answer the phone; you need them to be trained, have the right equipment and to show up quickly,” said Warren.

The Jamison’s hopes the county can figure out a way to keep all the services and their tax payments low, ” We`d like to stay there the rest of our lives, That`s our retirement home.”