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Reservoir Fire Protection District asks supervisors to start millage increase and annexation process
Summary
Representatives of the Reservoir Fire Protection District requested that Rankin County supervisors initiate the public-hearing process to consider a millage increase and expansion of the district's response area; the board voted to begin that process.
Representatives of the Reservoir Fire Protection District asked the Rankin County Board of Supervisors on July 15 to start the process that could lead to a property-tax millage increase and an expansion of the district's service area.
The district's board chairman, Thomas Harris, told supervisors that the district has not raised millage since 2009 and asked the county to schedule required public hearings so residents can consider a proposed levy increase and a possible annexation of the Holly Bush Road area. "I never thought I would be in front of you today basically asking for a tax increase, but that is exactly why we are here," Harris said.
Harris and other Reservoir Fire representatives told supervisors that their operating costs and equipment prices have risen and that current base pay for district firefighters lags nearby departments. The district asked the county to begin two parallel processes: (1) a millage increase to raise revenues for personnel and equipment and (2) an annexation to align the district's taxing footprint with a proposed new station site and response area.
Why it matters: The district said an expanded taxing footprint and higher millage would let it raise pay to be competitive with neighboring departments, fund equipment and maintenance, and align the tax base with the area receiving service. Harris said an increase to "4 mill" had been discussed as one option; later in the meeting he said a 3-mill increase would cover an immediate shortfall but that both the millage and annexation would be needed to fully fund service to new areas.
Board action: Supervisor McLeod moved to begin the process and schedule the required public hearings; Supervisor Steve seconded the motion. The board approved the motion by voice vote. The clerk directed staff to prepare legal descriptions and hearing notices, and supervisors discussed publishing maps and outreach to affected residents before hearings.
Additional details and limits: County staff explained that if the board approves an annexation it must define the annex boundary to match how the insurance rating bureau credits response areas (the bureau effectively credits up to a 5-road-mile radius around a station). County staff said the annexation and millage increase can be processed together; a petition by qualified electors within the affected area would trigger a referendum under state law if submitted. Harris told the board the rating bureau indicated the district could incorporate the proposed annex without degrading existing classifications for current district residents.
What comes next: County staff will prepare legal descriptions and public-hearing notices and post maps of the proposed annex area. If a sufficient number of residents file a petition it would trigger an election on the proposed changes; otherwise the board's hearings and any subsequent board action would control the process.
Ending: Supervisors approved starting the process by voice vote and asked staff to return with formal notices and maps at an upcoming meeting so the public can comment before any final decision.
