Miss. Senate rejects tax option for local parks

The Sun Herald, 2/23/9

Mississippi senators on Monday narrowly rejected a proposal to let cities increase property taxes to pay for parks and recreation.

Supporters said local officials need more flexibility to build ball parks, golf courses and other facilities. Opponents said it’s a bad idea to put more financial burdens on homeowners during a recession.

Under current state law, a city can collect up to 2 mills for parks and playgrounds. A proposal by Democratic Sen. Bob Dearing of Natchez would’ve given cities the option to collect up to 4 mills.

A mill is a tax of one-thousandth of a dollar levied on the assessed value of the property. For example, on a home with an assessed value of $100,000, a 1 mill tax would be $100 a year.