The consulting firm (EdBuild) hired to study and evaluate how the State of Mississippi funds public education released their recommendations on Monday January 16th. Of the various recommendations, one in particular stood out as it relates to ad valorem taxes. EdBuild’s executive director (Rebecca Sibilia) stated that lawmakers should consider giving school boards the freedom of raising local funds above the state cap of 55 mills. The MAS lobbying team is very concerned about this part of the recommendation, and the possible negative impact this could have on local ad valorem taxes.
PLEASE contact your local legislative delegation and begin to have conversations about this issue and how it could impact your county.
Currently, this is only a recommendation and there is no bill filed yet addressing this issue.