Ocean Springs News
City of OS Sets 2009-2010 Budget, Reduces Property Tax
Ocean Springs, MS – Ocean Springs property owners will see a reduction of two mils in their city property tax, which amounts to an 8% decrease from 23.83 to 21.83 mils. The current value of one mil is approximately $160,000.
The Board of Aldermen approved the reduction along with others in the city’s 2009-2010 budget at the Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting on September 1. The new budget goes into affect October 1.
The estimated savings is $20.00 for each $100,000 of the value of a home with homestead exemption.
The city property tax is separate from the Ocean Springs School District property tax, which is expected to increase due to the debt service on the school bond passed by voter referendum in September 2008.
“I am very happy that at a time when the citizens of Ocean Springs are paying more for everything, we were able to lower taxes. I realize the amount may not equal everything that has increased, but I am happy we have not increased anything; we have decreased,” said Alderman James Hagan, Ward Six.
“I am also proud to be a part of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen that have made the commitment to spend wisely and have taken this opportunity to give back to the people who elected and supported each of us,” said Hagan.
The new Fiscal Year 2010 general fund totals $18,475,000, compared to $21,875,00 in FY2009. This does not include grant funds except for salaries paid by grants. The City is maintaining an operating reserve of working capital equal to 17% of the general fund, in addition to a $1.5 million emergency fund.
The Board also approved a $750 cost of living increase for all city employees. A four percent merit pay and salary realignment increase was also approved, to be distributed at the discreation of department heads.
“Our goal was to maintain a strong level of community service without having to lay off any employees,” said Mayor Connie Moran. “Department heads were frugal as far as purchasing equipment and vehicles, which was key in making this budget as tight as possible.”
