City Leaders Discuss Potential Tax Increase To Fund Pay Raises

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- Pay raises could soon be in store for city workers in Starkville.

However, those raises would have to come with a tax increase.

At Thursday’s budget work session, Aldermen discussed the possibility and amount of that increase.

Three city leaders expressed interest in a one point five mill increase, while others said they’d like to see that amount lowered.

City leaders will vote on the matter during the next board meeting on the 17th.

“You don’t do this lightly,” said Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill. “The budget is the most important thing any legislative body does, because that’s what sets the tone for what they do for the remainder of the year that they’re in office. It is a heavy decision, it is an important decision, but in terms of what makes it easy is what do you take care off, and when its that important, then it becomes an easier decision. I think our employees are our greatest asset and they are and what we need to take care of.”

City leaders also discussed adding security cameras around town, a new fingerprint machine, and added equipment for street work.