News Summary
Starkville residents are facing upcoming changes including rising property taxes due to new appraisal values set for 2026 and a significant school bond proposal. Homeowners should be prepared for increased tax bills, while the proposed bond aims to fund improvements in local school facilities. Community engagement will be crucial as a referendum could arise depending on voter support for the bond proposal.
Starkville Residents Brace for Changes: Bond Proposal and Rising Property Taxes!
Hey there, Starkville! It looks like some changes are on the horizon concerning your property taxes and a big bond proposal for local schools. Let’s break down what these changes mean for you and your wallet!
Upcoming Property Tax Increases in Oktibbeha County
First off, the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) is shaking things up a bit by implementing new appraisal values come 2026. These updates are designed to more accurately reflect the ever-increasing costs of construction in the state. It’s important to note that this isn’t just about your home; both residential and commercial properties will see a change in their appraised value. With rising property values, it’s safe to say you can expect some shifts in your annual property tax bills.
Currently, if you own a cozy home worth $200,000, your property taxes approximately amount to $3,738.30 if you live in the county (excluding any homestead exemptions). For city residents, that number jumps up to about $4,593. Yikes! Hold on tight, folks, because when the new appraisal values roll in, your taxes will take a noticeable hike.
What to Expect in 2026
With the new appraisal values, the tax on that same $200,000 home is expected to rise by $449.10 in the county, bumping your total taxes up to $4,187.40. City homeowners will see an even larger increase, with their tax bill likely climbing by $564.30, bringing it to a whopping $5,157.30, assuming there are no changes in tax rates from the city, county, or school district.
School Bond Proposal: The What and The Why
Interestingly, SOCSD recently revealed in their audit for Fiscal Year 2023 that they plan to retire over $4.3 million of existing debt. If the full bond is issued, it can be paid off in 20 years at a maximum interest rate of 7%. This means that residents could be looking at an annual payment of approximately $4.6 million, which is about $300,000 more than what they currently owe.
Impact on Homeowners
Now, what does this mean for you, the homeowner? Well, if you’re sitting on a $200,000 home, you might find yourself facing an extra $11 in taxes. Not too shabby, right? However, if SOCSD decides not to proceed with the bond, school taxes might actually decrease by $148.80, easing some of the burden from the property revaluations. Always a silver lining to consider!
Next Steps & A Potential Referendum
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Daily Dispatch: New Starkville High Plan Might Have Little Impact on Tax Bills
- Clarion Ledger: New School District Consolidation Effort Being Led by MS House Leader
- Vicksburg News: Jay Hopson Hired as Starkville High School Athletics Director
- WCBI: MS Legislature Expresses High Agenda for Cutting Taxes
- Wikipedia: Property Tax
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
