Nearly 1/3rd of Tupelo’s property taxes is up for a vote

TUPELO, Miss. (AP) - Nearly one-third of Tupelo’s property taxes is up for a vote.

The 10-mill tax is dedicated to road work and pays for what the city calls its Major Thoroughfare Program.

Voters will decide May 3 whether to renew it for the fifth time since it was approved in 1991.

Numerous city leaders say the program has been key to Tupelo’s growth and is needed to ensure future vitality.

“This is an important tool for continued economic growth in Tupelo,” said Greg Pirkle, chairman of the Major Thoroughfare Committee, told The Northeast Louisiana Daily Journal (https://bit.ly/24dsy9r). “What we have done is create a climate where people can come in and create jobs and businesses.”

The program has typically been renewed by very high margins, with as many as 80 percent or more of voters in support. However, turnout in the elections has been very low.

City officials say they cannot be complacent.

“All the other towns around us, they’re growing too. If Tupelo wants to remain the place that everybody goes, then we’ve got to stay a step ahead,” City Engineer John Crawley said.

Tupelo’s property taxes total 32.47 mills.

If the tax passes May 3, officials want to spend 25 percent of the money, about $5 million, on maintenance.

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Information from: Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, https://djournal.com