Laurel publishes draft budget for the new fiscal year

LAUREL, Mississippi (WDAM) – The City of Laurel has an $84 million budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, and in some areas, that could impact taxpayers.

For the next fiscal year, the city is increasing its tax rate after it has remained constant since 2019.

On the impact on taxpayers, Mayor Johnny Magee said if your home is worth $210,000, you would pay about $84 in ad valorem tax.

The city has two immediate financing plans for this year.

One of them is salary increases.

“The pay increases for police and firefighters will be reflected in this budget,” Magee said.

The wage increase amounts to 15.8 percent.

They also want to increase wages for full-time employees by five percent.

“We want to increase the salaries of our employees,” Magee said. “Sometimes we don't succeed, but we are committed to increasing their salaries.”

Road construction projects are planned next.

Uneven roads have also been a problem in the city, but the proposed budget will address road construction projects.

Each council member decides which streets in his district most need improvement.

“It's all about improving the city's infrastructure. A lot has happened in the last 12 years and we want to continue that,” said Magee.

The city will adopt the budget at the next city council meeting and it will then go into effect on October 1.

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