Board approves tax exemptions for Madison‑Ridgeland Academy and VFW post, contingent IRS documentation

The Madison County Board of Supervisors voted April 20 to approve property tax exemptions for two local nonprofit applicants after presentations from school and veterans’ representatives.

Termy Land, who identified himself as head of school at Madison‑Ridgeland Academy, told the board the school had purchased a parcel and sought the county’s charitable property exemption. County staff reviewed the application and recommended approval. Mr. Locke moved the minutes and then the exemption motion; the board approved the request for the parcel, noting the purchase occurred in 2025 so the exemption would apply to 2026 taxes.

Trey McClure, quartermaster of Madison County VFW Post 6809, described a post merger and a piece of land that had been deeded to a Canton post and asked the board to confirm exempt status for the current, consolidated post. Staff said the VFW application otherwise met criteria but that the file lacked the IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (or a Form 990) typically required for non‑church nonprofits. Counsel accepted a digital copy of the IRS letter later in the meeting and staff indicated the exemption could be finalized once that documentation was entered into the record. McClure said the post has "approximately 70 members."

Why it matters: Property tax exemptions reduce county tax rolls and are reserved for qualified nonprofit and governmental uses; the board followed standard practice of approving subject to receipt of final federal documentation for the VFW.

What’s next: Staff will enter the IRS determination into the minutes and finalize the VFW exemption in the county records.