Supervisor Graham explains proposed 1.5-mil tax increase

JANS – Hinds County Board of Supervisors President Robert Graham, District One Supervisor, presented a proposed 1.5-mill increase in the county ad valorem tax rate during the Board’s Tuesday work session as part of discussions on the upcoming fiscal year budget.

The proposed increase is expected to generate approximately $2.3 million in additional annual revenue to help address growing operational needs, improve employee retention, and maintain essential county services.

“The request is for a modest 1.5-mill increase that is expected to generate approximately $2.3 million and would cost the average homeowner about $2.50 per month, or approximately $30 per year,” said Board President Robert Graham. “This recommendation reflects our commitment to maintaining the quality of county services while making strategic investments in the people who provide them.”

As the Board develops the upcoming budget, county departments have identified critical funding needs that exceed current available revenues. The proposed increase would help address staffing shortages, employee retention, and operational demands across numerous departments.

Among the priority needs identified are:

Supporting continued business recruitment and economic development efforts.

Providing competitive salaries to recruit and retain deputy sheriffs.

Recruiting and retaining detention officers to meet staffing requirements at the Raymond Detention Center.

Strengthening court operations through additional staffing.

Improving staffing and retention within the Public Defender’s Office.

Retaining skilled employees in the Public Works Department.

Hiring qualified maintenance personnel, including plumbers, electricians, and painters to maintain county facilities.

Providing long-overdue compensation improvements for Justice Court employees.

Hinds County currently employs approximately 900 employees, with roughly 50 vacant positions across county government. The Raymond Detention Center alone has approximately 43 detention officer vacancies, underscoring the significant workforce challenges facing the county.

President Graham noted that while the Board recognizes the financial impact of any tax increase, the proposal comes at a time when Hinds County is experiencing encouraging economic growth.

“We are seeing positive momentum throughout Hinds County,” Graham said. “New businesses continue to invest here, our housing market remains strong, and according to the latest assessment data, seven of our eight municipalities experienced growth over the past year. We want to build on that momentum while ensuring county government can continue providing the services our residents expect.”

The proposed millage increase is intended to help close the gap between departmental funding requests and available revenue while positioning Hinds County to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining a qualified workforce.