One Yazoo County resident urges county leaders to decrease the millage rate to offset the upcoming agricultural-use land reappraisals that is anticipated to increase taxes.
Billy Robinson appeared before the Yazoo County Board of Supervisors this week to discuss the state-mandated reappraisal of agricultural-use land.
“I wanted to speak with you about a matter that is an ongoing concern for many of the landowners in Yazoo County,” Robinson said. “That is the state-mandated reappraisal of agricultural-use land. This year is going to be the biggest increase in the last three years. What that is going to mean is an increase in taxes on landowners for agricultural use in Yazoo County.”
Robinson said he understands the county board has no control over the state’s reappraisals. But he said there is something the board should consider with its upcoming budget planning.
“If you lower your millage, then it can offset the amount of increase,” Robinson said. “You would give these landowners some relief on this. This is all over the state. There has been a lot of concern over it.”
Robinson said most people are not making much income from their land, including many rental properties of his own.
“But there is about a ten percent increase in taxes,” he said.
At the county’s budget hearing, Robinson said residents would have the opportunity to share their concerns.
“But at that point, you already have your budget set up,” Robinson said. “That is the reason I am coming to you now asking you to consider making an offset to give some relief to landowners. I don’t think the landowners in Yazoo County ought to have to have this burden.”
The supervisors said they would take Robinson’s comments under consideration as they prepare to plan for the next fiscal year’s budget.
