News Briefs
School board
OKs budget; no tax increase
Superintendent
Don Randolph announces the Marshall County School Board adopted its
proposed ad valorem tax budget for the fiscal year 2011 on Monday, July
19.
The
budget will not increase ad valorem taxes
this year. The ad valorem tax millage will remain the same as last
year, 35.76 mills, well below the 55 mills allowed, he said.
Randolph
attended the Superintendents’ Conference last week and said many
districts have raised their millage to 55 mills, the limit provided by
state law. These districts have nowhere to get additional revenue, he
said.
Randolph
indicated the Marshall County School District has lost $2,000,000
during the past two years.
“It
is difficult to maintain academic integrity, purchase school buses and
classroom supplies, repair roofs and buildings, and meet daily expenses
when the district’s budget is reduced by the governor,” he said.
“The
district asked the board of supervisors for a four percent increase for
the 2009-2010 school year. This increase generated $145,000. The
request created controversy but the additional revenue helped us
balance our budget after the loss of revenue from the state. If the
state cuts funds, the revenue has to be made up at the local level.
This means that taxes go up.
“We
have managed
well and are proud to do our part in these harsh economic times and to
help our taxpayers and the board of supervisors balance the county
budget.
“We
in the district office have not had a
raise in four years, but we are proud to have jobs today. Also we have
recommended all our employees come back in the 2010-2011 school year.
Many districts have laid off or reduced staff to balance their budget.
“We
will be OK this school year, but next year will be extremely difficult.
If the recession continues and if the state cannot fund our school
district budget, a millage increase will be necessary.”
August 6
fund-raiser helps Humane Society
The
Marshall County Humane Society’s fund-raiser will be held Friday,
August 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the Collins-Hurdle VFW Post in Holly Springs.
There
will be live and silent auctions, good food, entertainment
and more.
Advance
tickets can be bought for $10 at the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce
or from any member of the Humane Society or at the door for $12.
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