d i smith -madison county supervisor: january 2007 thru december 2011

D.I. Smith -Madison County Supervisor-District 3; 2008-2011

D.I.

Sm

ith, M

adis

on C

ount

y Su

perv

isor

I'm proud to have had the opportunity to serve the citizens ofMadison County, Mississippi, from Jan 2008 to Dec 2011, asSUPERVISOR, DISTRICT 3.

OPEN, ACCOUNTABLE AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT ismy GOAL!

Thanks to my best friend - my wife, Linda, who was my greatestencourager and supporter! Thanks Honey, I love and appreciateyou!

1

Contents

Madison County Supervisor Website Survey 7

Madison County Herald - The Next Supervisor 7

National, State, and Local Political News/Blogs: 7

Register to Vote! VOTE! VOTE! 10

What does it mean to be a county supervisor? - Times-StandardOnline 11

County Government in MISSISSIPPI 12

CONTACT D.I.: 13

D.I.'s Biography 13

All About District 3 and Madison County -- DEMOGRAPHICPROFILE and ... 14

Official Actions of the Madison County Board of Supervisors 15

Important Madison County Supervisor Issues, Challenges, andOpportu... 16

Pot Hole Repair Request for County Roads and Streets 19

Swearing In -- Supervisor, District 3, Madison County,Mississippi,... 19

Proposed bond issue, Reunion, Gluckstadt, etc 19

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses 25

Where is the new Madison County Office Complex located? 26

Madison County News 26

Smith is Selected to Attend The State Executive DevelopmentInstitute 26

Property Tax Estimator 27

Madison County Tax Sale 2008 29

Madison County 2008 Tax Roll Inspection and Examination 30

3

Unredeemed 2006 Madison County Tax Sale Parcels (as of July1, 2008) 30

NOTICE OF TAX INCREASE FOR MADISON COUNTY 31

Supervisors OK 6.33-mill tax hike 43

Madison County Real Property Tax Calculator 44

Madison County Taxpayers Upset Over Double Increase 44

Where the tax increase started: "The more things change, themore t... 45

Petition Against Tax Hike 46

Madison County 2009 Budget and Tax Levy 46

I-55/Gluckstadt Road Interchange Improvements 49

Make Madison County Roads Safer... 50

UPDATE: AGO says NO Galleria Parkway - Ashton Park Wall attaxpayer... 52

Madison County Citizens Service Agency 58

Discuss How to Change Madison County... Make a Difference! 60

State Senator and Representative Contact Info and DistrictMaps 61

Madison County Flood Zone Map Revisions Underway 61

Garbage Pickup Changes Mulled 62

NACo Press Release: D.I. Smith: Nation’s counties committedto work... 64

Madison County Flood Map Revision 65

Mannsdale - Livingston Heritage Preservation District 66

Supervisor calls for comprehensive Performance Audit ofCounty Engi... 70

Recycling and Solid-Waste/Garbage Collection in MadisonCounty 74

4

Madison County 2009 Property Tax Roll Review and Inspection 74

PRESS RELEASE: National Association of Counties (NACo)2009 Annual ... 75


Madison County FY 2010 Budget and Tax Levy 76

2009 Madison County Tax Calculator 77

Madison County Homestead Exemptions/Over 65 77

REUNION INTERCHANGE KILLED; Madison County 2010Road Plan 77

Another New Solid Waste Landfill in Madison County? 78

Madison County Landfills... how many are enough? 80

2010 Tax Rolls available for examination and inspection 80

Madison County Considering forming Regional Solid WasteManagment A... 81


FY 2011 Budget and Tax Levy Proposed 82

Madison County Contract Oversight is Lax... 83

2010 PROPERTY TAX BILLS 84

Recycling is Resumed 84

Madison County Regional Solid Waste Management Authority 85

FINAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION NOTICE 3-10-2011 85

Madison County MS Re-Districting 2011 86

Join us in the conversation... 88

Re-Elect D.I. 94

ReElect D.I. "Push Card" 95

Madison County Election and Absentee Ballots 95

Madison County 2011 Tax Sale and SPECIAL Parkway EastSupplemental ... 96

5

Madison County FY 2012 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy 96

2011 Property Tax Bills 96

November 8th GENERAL ELECTION: What State House Dist?What State Se... 97

DEQ PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed North County LineLANDFILL 97

My Pages 100

6


Madison County Supervisor Website SurveyTuesday, March 27, 2007Loading...

Madison County Herald - The Next SupervisorTuesday, March 27, 2007

Article published in the Madison County Herald, Tuesday, March 27, 2007, written byLucy Weber; photo by Will Smith.

THE NEXT SUPERVISOR

D.I. Smith recalls the lessons he learned growing up in the Delta town of Sidon andwatching his father, a Leflore County supervisor for eight years. Probably one of theearliest lessons in ethics Smith said he ever received came on his family's farm whenthere was a bulldozer just sitting there. A local dealer had brought it out for his father totry. "I asked my father 'Why aren't you using it?' He said, 'It's not right for me to be gettingthe benefit of it,'" Smith recalls his father saying. "'They brought it so I'd be indebted.'"Now, decades later, Smith wants to follow the tradition of his father and his grandfather,also a Leflore supervisor. "I hope I can measure up to their standards," he said.Click to read entire article

National, State, and Local Political News/Blogs:Tuesday, May 29, 2007See side bar links to recent local newspaper articles... Also "comments" section below...

National, State, and Local Political News/Blogs:

• Jackson Jambalaya• Magnolia Report• Y'all Politics• Red/Blue Blog

Madison County Republican Women:• April 2007 Newsletter

7


• May 2007 Newsletter• June 2007 Newsletter• July 2007 Newsletter• August 2007 Newsletter

To open file, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you donot have Acrobat Reader click here to download it at no charge from the Adobe website.

Comments1. Re: National, State, and Local Political News/Blogs:

- DIS April 11, 2007

Madison County Journal 04/11/07 regarding web based petition.

Extract of email to reporter:

Please add to any article you may be considering regarding the electronic petition:

This unknown web site is similar to a "drive by shooting!"…i.e., done under secrecy. Idon't give any creditability to an anonymous data collection effort that may or may not berelated to the District 3, Supervisor campaign. This could be an attempt to obtaininformation that could be used for identify theft, junk mail lists, planting of files on userscomputers to log key strokes for the purpose of stealing userids and passwords forfinancial accounts, or plant other computer viruses and adware worms, etc. I don'trecommend that anyone provide private information to unknown persons or groups.

I'm proud to be a candidate for Supervisor, District 3; and I look forward to meeting allvoters of District 3 in the coming months and obtaining their input on issues, challengesand priorities facing residents of the District and all of Madison County; and if elected, Iwill work hard serving the residents of District 3.

For more information, residents of District 3 are encouraged to visit my web site atwww.dismith.com

Warm regards,

D.I.

2. Re: National, State, and Local Political News/Blogs:

- Anonymous April 12, 2007

This anonymous web effort could also be characterized as "web bullying!"


- BillMurphy April 16, 2007

Dear D.I. Supporters and Mr. Smith. I am not a gutless coward. My name is BillMurphy and I live in Madison. You can reach me a [email protected]

Your candidate is the gutless one, perhaps. He had to work back-room deals with Mr.Taggart to become a supervisor. Is he afraid of a fair election.

What really surprises me, Mr. Smith, is that you served in the military and apparentlynever really knew what you were defending. Weren't you defending our right to dissentand to have freedom of speech? Why lower yourself to name calling? Just face thoseof us who disagree with what you have done and engage in a debate.

8


You are not a candidate for supervisor. You have been "appointed," or as I'm sure yousee it, "anointed." You saw fit to that by consorting with Mr. Taggart.

We have not done the web site under secrecy. My name has been associated with itfrom the beginning and soon enough you will know who everyone else is.

Let's debate please, not name call. I too, am retired military. I would expect more fromyou.

The web site is not designed to be a scientific survey. We maintain no records of IPaddresses or anything like that.

How will you discredit the thousand signatures the written petition garners?

I know you think that this is going to go away. It will not. There will be bill boards, ads,and articles still to come. If you don't see fit to let the residents of your district vote now,they certainly will get to vote in 4 more years.

I encourage you to withdraw and make your case to the Republican committee. If theychose you to represent your district, so be it. You will at least be a legit candidate andnot one forced on your district.

One final thing. Shame on you for suggesting that this perfectly legal web survey issomehow looking to harm the residents of the county. You sound like a democrat withthat kind of fear tactic.

Bill Murphy

p.s. This probably won't get by your blog author, but I hope it will.



D.I.,Stay strong and focused on the mark set before you . . . remember that God is in control.Don’t lose heart . . . He wins in the end and you are on His team.



Hey D. I.- I realize that you are unopposed, but want to express my warmest wishes for a greatcampaign. I read your interview in the Herald. Spectacular! Don't let the negativecomments about Taggart get you down…there's no reason to. Trust me... and I pray foryour strength and wisdom.



You are the man!A.



D.I., great web site. I read much of the info and articles. I know you are busy andprobably going to be a lot busier in the near future. Hang in there and good luck witheverything. If I could vote, I would vote for you. You are going to be a great supervisor!

9




DI –I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to serve as a supervisor.We need a lot more good men like you and Doug to serve in leadership roles in thiscounty. The quotes from Tim Johnson in last Thursday’s Madison County Journal aboutAndy Taggert were very inappropriate and greatly angered/disturbed me. You will havemy prayers and best wishes as you begin to serve and if there is anything I can ever do,please let me know.

Thanks,

Register to Vote! VOTE! VOTE!Wednesday, August 15, 2007

If you recently moved, are about to turn 18 (can register while 17, but must be 18 to vote),or have never registered to vote,we would like to help you complete the registration process.It is very easy to become a registered voter.Click on the link below and download the registration form.

Download mail-in Register to Vote application formMail Completed form to:Lee WestbrookCircuit Clerk Madison CountyP.O. Drawer 1626Canton, MS 39046

Contact the Circuit Clerk's office for additional information (601-859-4365 or 601-352-2049)

UPCOMING ELECTIONS:

• Primary Election, Tuesday, August 2, 2011• General Election, November, 2011

Address Library; list of voting info based on your street/address

Polling Place Locator

10


County Voting Precinct Map

District 3 Map

District 3 Voting Precincts

District 3 Polling Places - Map

Map - Madison County Justice Court Districts

Map of Madison County State Legislature Districts

Map - Madison County State Senate Districts

What does it mean to be a county supervisor? -Times-Standard OnlineThursday, August 16, 2007What does it mean to be a county supervisor? - Times-Standard Online: "What does itmean to be a county supervisor?Jimmy Smith/My Word/for the Times-StandardArticle Launched: 05/27/2008 01:24:21 AM PDT

On occasion, I am asked, “What does a county supervisor do?”

Here are some things I believe:

• Being a supervisor means making decisions based on the best information available.• It means projecting budgets based on worst-case experiences, while still trying to

protect basic services and staff.• It means understanding the needs of businesses and health care.• It means determining how to successfully compete for limited bond money.• It means fighting to keep water in our streams.• It means working with chambers, industry leaders and community groups.• It means listening to our council members and city officials so we understand

common needs and goals.• It means understanding the importance of the special districts that provide the water

we drink and maintaining the waste treatment systems we silently depend on.• It means sharing resources to insure that fire departments and law enforcement can

be there for everyone.• It means recognizing how essential our volunteer groups are and providing support

for them: The Library Foundation, CASA, Cancer Society, Easter Seals, volunteerpolice patrols, Soroptimists, Making Headway, the coaches and PTA members,school officials and many others that make this community special.

• It means listening to the people and doing your best to understand their concernsand resolving problems that arise.

• It means growing, learning and trying your best to avoid being opinionated.• Most of all, it means working for and beside the people who have entrusted you with

11


a great responsibility.Jimmy Smith is a candidate for re-election as Humboldt County supervisor for the 1stDistrict. He lives in Eureka."

County Government in MISSISSIPPIFriday, August 17, 2007

FROM THE MISSISSIPPI STATEUNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE

County Government in Mississippi is formatted in the popular portable document format(pdf). A pdf reader such as the free Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view thispublication. Click here to download a free reader now.

Selected chapters are highlighted below:• THE HISTORICAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTY• THE OFFICE OF SUPERVISOR• POWERS AND DUTIES OF SUPERVISORS• OTHER MAJOR COUNTY OFFICIALS• OPEN MEETINGS AND ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS

OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR

MISSISSIPPI ETHICS COMMISSION

MISSISSIPPI ATTORNEY GENERAL

MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF SUPERVISORS

Click here to report Fraud, Waste or AbuseContact the:

Mississippi Office of the State Auditor

501 N. West Street Suite 801, Woolfolk Building Jackson, MS 39201 Phone: (601) 576-2800 Fax: (601) 576-2687 Toll Free: (800) 321-1275

12


CONTACT D.I.:Friday, August 17, 2007Comments, suggestions, or questions: Email D.I.!

Calendar

D.I.'s BiographySunday, December 02, 2007

DUTY HONOR COUNTRY!!!I WAS A SOLDIER * I AM A SOLDIER * I WILL ALWAYS BE A SOLDIER D.I. SmithColonel, U.S. Army-RetColonel D.I. Smith, USA-Ret., served in the United States Army for thirty years in avariety of leadership and staff positions. During his tenure in the U.S. Army, his dutiesincluded personnel and administrative management, training and operations, financialmanagement, resource management, and research and development. He has over 6years command experience in Field Artillery and Aviation including combat in Vietnamand during Operation JUST CAUSE, the highly successful military operation to removeManuel Noriega, the tyrannical dictator of the Republic of Panama. He completed hismilitary career serving a 3-year tour as Inspector General, Mississippi National Guard.During his career in the Army, he received numerous awards and decorations includingthe Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Air Medal. He has also earned Master ArmyAviator wings, Senior Parachutist badge, and the coveted black and gold RANGERtab.After completing his service to our country he has served as Chief Operations Officerof a new start up wireless technology company; and is currently serving the residents ofthe beautiful and unique Dinsmor subdivision, Ridgeland, MS, as the On-Site PropertyManager.

He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, The U.S. Army

13


War College, and has a B.S. degree in Business from the University of SouthernMississippi and an MBA from Troy State University.

He is a member of Military Officers Association of America, Vietnam Helicopter PilotsAssociation, Army Aviation Association of America, Association of the U.S. Army, theArmy War College Alumni Association, the American Legion, the Jackson Metro Cyclists,the Jackson Triathlon Club, and the Mississippi Track Club. He has also done extensiveresearch, writing and speaking about programs affecting the military.

D. I. and his wife, Linda, are members of Highland Colony Baptist Church, Ridgeland,MS; where DI also serves as a Deacon.

He and Linda are originally from Sidon, MS, and currently reside in Ridgeland; and theyhave two daughters and six grandchildren.

Click here for printable copy!Additional Military Service related information at Fly Army82nd Airborne Division VideoBackhawks - Walking in The AirArmy Year in Photos -- 2008

YEAR in Photos -- 2007YEAR in Photos -- 2006

All About District 3 and Madison County --DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE and ...Friday, December 07, 2007MAP -- DISTRICT 3 SUPERVISOR DISTRICT

14


Madison County: Summary Demographic and Population Profile - 2009DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILEMadison County, Supervisor District 3 (2008 Estimates/2013 Projections)PREPARED BY: Central Mississippi Planning and Development District

DEMOGRAPHIC Fact Sheet -- MADISON COUNTYPREPARED BY: The U.S. Census Bureau

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE --Madison County (2008 Estimates/2013 Projections)PREPARED BY: Central Mississippi Planning and Development District

Official Actions of the Madison County Board ofSupervisorsSunday, December 09, 2007AGENDA: Board of Supervisors Meeting(1st & 3rd Mondays; 9:00 A.M.; Madison County Admin & Chancery Building, Canton,MS)See CALENDAR

MINUTES: Board of Supervisors Meetings

2008 ROAD PLAN: Click here to see the 2008 Madison County Road PlanClick Here to see the Amended Road Plan, dated Feb 1, 2010

Click here to search the Madison County Road Registry

15


Important Madison County Supervisor Issues,Challenges, and Opportu...Monday, December 10, 2007What is a SUPERVISOR? What does a SUPERVISOR DO? Click here to see ThePowers and Duties of a SUPERVISOR.

Madison County Web Site

There are a number of issues and hard decisions that must be made as we move forwardin Madison County. I welcome your input on all county matters. Please feel free to postany inquiries, comments or suggestions. Please complete POLL Questions in the columnto the right!

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT MADISON COUNTY ISSUES:

Balancing requirements and resources for New Construction, i.e. Reunion Parkway and I-55 Interchange...

...With Maintenance & Repair:Existing Roads

Please help by providing your ideas and opinions on priorities for Madison County.PLEASE ADD YOUR COMMENTS, IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS:

16


• RURAL FIRE PROTECTION• ANNANDALE STREETS

• Madison County Journal, 2/7/07 Annandale street repairs promised• Madison County Journal, 2/14/07 EDITORIAL/Annandale roads quandary for

supes• RECONSTRUCTION of the GLUCKSTADT INTERCHANGE

• Madison County Foundation Fact Sheet• 3/1/2007 - EDITORIAL/Gluckstadt priority makes good sense

• REUNION PARKWAY AND INTERCHANGE• Madison County Foundation Fact Sheet• Should the Board of Supervisors raise taxes to pay for this?• Scroll down and complete the on-line POLL!

• ADDITIONAL JAIL BEDS• Madison County Journal 4/4/07 EDITORIAL/Jail decision needed sooner than

later• JUVENILE DETENTION CAPABILITY

• Madison County Journal 4/18/07 Sheriff pushes supes on jail plan• VOTER ROLLS -- SUPPORT ELECTION COMMISSIONERS IN CLEANING UP

• Madison County Journal 4/18/07 County trying to clean "dead weight" from voterrolls

MAKE YOUR OPINION KNOWN: please go to the Madison County Forum to providecomments, suggestions and recommendations:

District 3, Madison County

Visit this group

Or simply click "comments" below....

Comments1. Re: Important Madison County Supervisor Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities

- Anonymous March 30, 2007

How is fire protection adequacy measured? Is it the number of firefighters / fire trucksper 1000 people? Average response time? How does district 3 stack up?

2. Re: Important Madison County Supervisor Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities

- DIS March 30, 2007

Great questions regarding issue of rural fire protection! Thanks! One of the principleissues is the fire rating code which governs insurance rates. These rates are highoutside of city limits.



Paper from Madison County Foundation supporting work on Gluckstadt I-55interchange.

http://www.mcfoundation.com/highprofileprojects.aspx?id=24


- PeteW January 26, 2008

You've set a new standard for public service in Madison County with this website. I can't

17


imagine the other supervisors ever conceiving something like this. Keep up the goodwork.

PeteJanuary 25, 2008


- RogerT January 26, 2008

What a web site! You have raised the bar!Thanks for the info!


- Anonymous January 28, 2008

Please help Dick Hall continue his efforts to prioritize the Gluckstadt Road /exitimprovements over Reunion Parkway.

It is SO OBVIOUS that Gluckstadt needs the work done first. I DO NOT want my countytax dollars (i.e. Bond Issue) spent on Reunion when it benefits Private Business. LetReunion and St. Dominics offer to pay for Reunion.



Supervisor Smith, your website improperly characterizes Reunion interchange vs.Gluckstadt interchange as an either/or, or that one should be prioritized over the other.They are completely separate projects, funded differently, both of which will greatlybenefit your constituents. Your position should be to pressure Dick Hall and the Miss.Transportation Comm. to move the (primarily state-funded) Gluckstadt reconstruction upon MDOT's priority list AND pressure Dick Hall to get out of the way of the (primarilycounty-funded) Reunion interchange project. The issue is NOT whether one project haspriority over the other. Don't let Dick Hall get away with that spin. We need more roads,like the 463 to 51 Reunion Parkway corridor(and the resulting commercial development)NOW!



You are still an illegitimate supervisor no matter how much time you spend trying toconvince people that you are qualified to serve. You will not get a single thing for yourdistrict because of your deceipt. I know you are optimistic because you have formed andalliance with Mr. Banks, David Richardson, and all other socialists, but here is the math:3=5 and 2=0



I am a Madison County taxpayer/land-owner living in Ridgeland. I will be very upset ifmy taxes are raised due to an interchange that I will never, ever use. As I understand,only one (or two) neighborhoods in the entire county would benefit from this. Ourtaxpayers should not have to pay for this. That is not right.

Please do not vote for the bond issue.


- CherryHllPlantationResid February 01, 2008

Thank you for including the residents of your district in this easy way to keep us abreastof what is happening in our district. I have always thought that if a person who is inoffice is honest and truly trying to help, then something like this could be done. Don’t be

18


a politician – be a resident and neighbor who wants to help and has to be a politician todo it.


- userJS February 02, 2008

Great job keeping everyone up-to-date.

Hard to heard cats.


- highhopes April 18, 2008

Great web site. It is refreshing to see someone step up and look at what is in the bestinterest of Madison County and its citizens. Its about the "action" taken rather thanpersonal agreement. Please continue to keep us informed.


- PamC November 19, 2008

We saw you at the Parkway Penecostal Precinct when we were working election day,but were too busy to speak to you! Thanks for the great job you do and for looking outfor your constituents.

Pot Hole Repair Request for County Roads andStreetsThursday, January 24, 2008Use this link to submit an email request for a Pothole Repair on roads and streets outsideof city limits.

Also, if you see roads requiring "shoulder repair," e.g., where there is a drop off or trenchbetween the asphalt and the gravel, please submit a repair request by modifying theemail.

Swearing In -- Supervisor, District 3, MadisonCounty, Mississippi,...Sunday, February 03, 2008Proposed bond issue, Reunion, Gluckstadt, etcMonday, February 04, 2008This is a complex issue. I've tried to briefly mention some of the issues in a "white paper"or talking point format. Click here. Be sure to scroll and complete the poll questions in theright column. Appreciate your feedback!

Also, click here to see NORTHSIDE SUN article, FEB 14, 2008

Comments1. Re: Proposed bond issue, Reunion, Gluckstadt, etc

19


- dinsmorentdoc February 05, 2008

Increased infrastructure as you move away from a city has been proven to only increasesprawl. Residents of Ridgeland should be wary of growth in Madison / Gluckstadt as itcan only hamper appreciation on our homes. How about improving access to where WElive, i.e. another Ridgeland exit from I-220? The Jackson Street / Old Agency exit isalready backed up in the afternoon and the a.m. traffic from there to I-220 is atrocious!And Reniassance isn't even open yet! And I-55 traffic will only get worse with moregrowth in Madison! Let's improve the infrastructure in South Madison County before weuse our tax dollars to help the "poor" folks in Reunion and along 463.

2. Re: Proposed bond issue, Reunion, Gluckstadt, etc

- JerrySwanson February 05, 2008

D.I.'s recommendation seems like good common sense.


- Press February 05, 2008

We are glad you are on top of this - it sounds like you have some valid points, and I willsupport your judgement on this.


- ConcernedCitizen February 05, 2008

I am glad you are there and maybe you can single handily move thingsforward.........Keep up the good work and NO we do not need a bond issue for aninterchange.........we have to figure out how to pay for that expensive healthcare for thecounty employees...


- Carl February 05, 2008

Had planned to write this morning to express my appreciation for your stand on thequestion of an interchange at Reunion.

I support Dick Hall completely in his staunch opposition. I believe that any decision-makers willing to drive through the Gluckstadt interchange two or three times daily for aweek might develop a new perspective on where the priority lies.

Thank you.Carl


- Anonymous February 06, 2008

D.I.'s analysis is right on target. Our taxes are high enough. We must all live within ourmeans, including County Government. There are always good projects and works to bedone, but we can never do them all. I'm really glad we have D.I. as as our Supervisor.


- JHClark February 06, 2008

I found the pointsou made in your mass e-mail mostinteresting, especially in light of your position in the recentcontroversy surrounding the Bailey 13-story building, i.e., your finalposition FOR the building as opposed to your first position AGAINST thebuilding. This makes me wonder if the remarks you’ve made today representyour FINAL thoughts on the interchange or might we expect some changewhen -- what?? -- someone talks to you??

20


Several of your points are especially interesting in light of your workto facilitate approval of the Bailey building --

You say: Many neighborhoods have suffered deceasing property values sincereaching a high point in 2005. Some experts predict values could plummetanother 25% in 2008 and 2009 before starting to improve. Hopefully, thisreduction in home values does not impact our tax revenues.

I marvel that with this prospect you could support a building that willdefinitely have an adverse impact on property values on neighborhoodsabutting the Parkway and probably will adversely affect otherneighborhoods such as my own street, Rolling Meadows.

You say: There is an obvious over supply of commercial and retailproperties with scores of empty new stores in Ridgeland, Madison, and in theCountyalong Hwy 51 and in Gluckstadt.

Given this glut of commercial and retail properties, why is it that youthink we need a 13-story building?

You say: Bonds are long term, paid over 20 years, but some are used forroutine maintenance of roads and streets which is projected to last 7-12years at the most. Especially in our Yazoo clay. This is like financing acar of 10 years knowing it will wear out in 5 years.

Yes, exactly! So why is it a good idea to use TIF bonds for the 13-storybuilding (and Renaissance development) since these bonds delay taxpayments to the City of Ridgeland for 20 years when the building will becompletely depreciated?

You say: We have no long range planning capability and badly need aPlanning Commission focused on the future with a goal of developing acomprehensive list of projected requirements and integrated capitalexpenditure funding plan.

So why did the Board of Supervisors leap in to issue the TIF bonds for Mr.Bailey’s development when Mr. Bailey certainly had the capacity to financethe project himself (especially with the aid of his silent partner JimBarksdale)? Since that was probably done before you were sneaked in asSupervisor, why didn't you work to revoke approval for these TIF bonds?

You say: The County has already agreed to a number of the popular TIFfunding programs for new developments. These include the new Lowe’s store inRidgeland, the Colony Park area in Ridgeland, and several others. Theseare great when used for the originally intended purpose for redevelopmentprojects, but should be carefully used for the initial development of themost sought after properties in the State along I-55, etc.

21


While these will result in tax base growth, the resulting taxes arealready committed to payment of bonds issued for infrastructure. So,these funds are not available for general budget use and planning. So,TIFs can cause the estimated growth figures to be of limited use if the"growth" money is already committed. More recently the County hasstarted putting a "cap" on property tax revenues that could be applied tobond service, but there were no caps on the first few approved TIFs.

If this is your position on TIF funding, why did you so heartily do allthat you could through a web site you set up to ensure that Mr. Bailey's13-story building was approved by the City of Ridgeland?

And finally YOU SAY: Another example -- Who is completing the County’s FY2009 Congressional Funding Request which is due this Friday, February 8,2008.

Sir: YOU are the Supervisor. Why are you asking your constituents? Weask you – WHO is completing this request? Why don't you find out and letus know? Certainly if this is something that is due and not done, wevoters will hold you responsible, along with your fellow Board members.

Janet Hendrick Clark


- IgnoredConstituent February 07, 2008

D.I. is dead wrong and it is actions like his that have allowed the traffic in this county tobecome unbearable.


- Guy April 19, 2008

I was aware of most of it but you draw a very clear picture and gave an accurateassesment of the Counties situation regarding Bonds and funding.We have got to get the media to weekly put this before the Madison County residents.Stay the course DI.Thanks,


- LakeCaroline April 19, 2008

I surely wish our supervisor was this sharp!! You know, common sense should tell usthat an existing interchange in disrepair on I-55 and causing a safety hazard shouldcome before a new interchange intended primarily to open up new land to commercialuse..... particularly when that new interchange will be only a mile from the Madison/463interchange.


- JS-NONEWTAXES April 19, 2008

do not wish to incur an increase in my taxes to benefit the few land owners anddevelopers that the Reunion interchange project will impact.It's time will come, soon enough.

I am in agreement with the Highway Commission that the Gluckstadt interchange plansshould go forward now, and the proposed Reunion interchange wait its turn.

22


My priorities are, first, NO NEW TAXES.Second, allow the South Madison county economic growth now occurring to pay its wayand re-pay the TIF money.Third, NO NEW TAXES


- NoWillyNilly April 19, 2008

We don't need to will-nilly issue bonds just because we can get the financing to doso....keep taxes low and people who want to complain about the roads can move torankin county./..


- userDE April 19, 2008

Thanks for the info. I agree with all you have to say. As much as I hate tax increases Ihate debt even more. We need to do the right thing and finance life limitedimprovements for LESS than their projected lifespan.

The Reunion Parkway interchange makes sense and would be a proactive shot in thequality of life arm. The effects of this program will yield traffic improvements on all countyroads from Old Agency all the way to Nissan Parkway. We pay the gas tax and weshould be entitled to benefit from it, but even if not I think that the man hours and fuelwasted in traffic can justify our having to pay for it -if required. But please can we keepthe brick trim money in our own pockets? We need infrastructure, not Mary's Art.

The detention center and jail must be funded. We must not view this as an option orsomething we can wait on. The primary reason property values have gone down inJackson and Hinds County is because common criminals are not incarcerated and thusare free to continue their activities with little consequence. If we fail to address everyaspect of our security -simply for the sake of saving a few dollars now- then in the endwe will all find that we have lost a significant portion of the value of our homes andbusinesses. Justice is a good investment and is perhaps our most importantinfrastructure expense.

Thanks for having a common sense and fiscally responsible attitude. Sometimes itseems like this county is full of "fairytale politicians" who think they can spend and spendand never really pay the note. The recession is here. It is high time that we all face themusic, tighten our belts, spend money where we must and let the economy and tax basecatch up before we reinvest in any pet "economic development projects".


- Annandale April 19, 2008

What about the repair of our roads in Annandale? Tim Johnson has lost his mind. Its thiskind of management that has gotten the County in the shape that its in. He is allowing Mary to run the entire county and the rest of the board is letting him getaway with it.How can you spend 33 million for private developers and not come up with the money torepair existing roads that have fallen into unsafe "FAILED" condition? We need our roads repaired,and Gluckstadt Road widened and that interchangecorrected before the 33 million is floated by the board. How can the other board members allow this to happen when their districts are alsobeing ignored?


- Buster April 19, 2008

23


DI, from what I have read, you and I are in agreement on the issue. Yepee!


- Don April 19, 2008

DI:I think you are right on the money! Based on the decline in home prices, I think a taxincrease is inevitable. When considering what will happen to our tax bill, I think we haveto keep in mind lower growth in assessed valuation will create more pressure forincreases in taxes to support the Madison County School system, in addition to theimpact of the bonds being issued for road construction.


- Ray April 19, 2008

Totally agree! We should not fail to raise taxes when they are necessary to establish ormaintain important facilities and functions.


- Randy April 19, 2008

DI -

My thoughts - as I see it a lot of the growth is a direct result of the growth or speculativegrowth around Nissan and its suppliers. The state was so gung ho about this economicdevelopment and rushed to put in the interchanges around Nissan and now MDOT is notstepping up to the plate when the other parts of the transportation infrastructure ispushed to the limit....why do they need to argue about what gets done and in what order.It is obvious of the needs - and the HELP program is the rational approach for both ofthese interchanges. However - I also feel that Reunion - like the hwy 22 issues aredeveloper promoted issues and not as needed as Gluckstadt.

Thanks for taking the stand you did on this!


- George April 19, 2008

Impressive amount of research you did, and explained very well in your letter. Now Ican understand why you were opposed to the bond issue.


- Fred April 19, 2008

Thank you, DI.Today I e-mailed the Madison County Board of Supervisors to voice my outrage thatthey think it's okay to use county money to pay for an Interstate interchange, whichshould be payed for by the State. I noticed you were the only supervisor to vote againstthe bond issue. I appreciate that.Will Dick Hall's opposition be able to keep the county from spending our money?


- userBJ April 19, 2008

Thank you for this detail information. I wish I could vote for you.


- Stan April 19, 2008

Thank you for this information. Keep up the good work!


- Henry April 19, 2008

24


Very well written! I appreciate receiving the information you provided.Your recommendations certainly seem logical to me.


- June April 19, 2008

Thank you for this very infomative site. I do not understand all the ins and outs of bondsand budgets and needs, but I do know we are in a very tight economic situation in whichnoone can know exactly what is going to happen this next year or so. So, I highlyagree to the recommendation made in this email. We have so many dozens of stripmalls that have empty storefronts....just look at what Ridgeland is doing for a mainstreet. I'm afraid the effect of the empty beautiful buildings will be negative. Weneed to be extremely carefull until the economy makes a turn for the better.


- Mark April 19, 2008

Thanks for the update. I appreciate the information and look forward to hearing more inthe future. As a taxpayer in Madison County and the State, I like to know what is goingon in the area.


- Pete April 19, 2008

Add to that the jitters over the presidential race and the lack of leadership there.

It ain't pretty right now.


- Tom April 19, 2008

Right on If you have not, this info as written should be shared with all elected officials inthe county.

Thanks for doing your homework. This is the type of info I knew you would provide. Itshould be required reading for the queen.


- Pete April 19, 2008

Looks like you've covered the bases. Thanks for saying Reunion AND Gluckstadt arecritical needs. I hope we don't devolve into a class warfare struggle like often happens.Reunion and Gluckstadt interchanges will help make the Parkway a success.

I am concerned the economic downturn will hit everybody and every project negatively.

Everyone needs to work together. We need good information to work from.

Mosquito-Borne IllnessesMonday, March 31, 2008The state Department of Health confirmed today Mississippi’s first human case of WestNile virus for the year in Lincoln County. According to the Centers for Disease Controland Prevention, it is the second reported human case in the United States for 2008.

For more information on the virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, a checklist toreduce the mosquito population in and around homes and a brochure on the virus, visit

25


the MSDH Web site at www.HealthyMS.com/westnile or call the WNV toll-free hotlinefrom 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-877-978-6453.

Where is the new Madison County OfficeComplex located?Saturday, April 05, 2008Where is the new Madison County Admin Office Complex located? 146 Center St or 125W. North St The Madison County Board of Supervisors is now meeting in the new BoardRoom located in the new Madison County Office Complex. It is attached to the ChanceryCourt Building which is on the north side of the Canton Square... Just enter the buildingand go down the hall and into the new building... the board room is on the 1st floor. Oryou can enter directly into the new building from the north side (North Street). But you willhave to take the elevator to 1st floor. Click here to see Google MapClick here to get directions from your house or office

Madison County NewsSaturday, April 26, 2008

WMGO 1370AM CANTON, MS - Jerry Lousteau Morning News , Friday, April 25, 2008

WMGO 1370 Canton, MS

Commentary regarding...... Foreclosures in Madison County

... Madison County "SUCKERS!"

... FMCHA; Storm Debris; DI

Click here to see Letter to the Editor; Madison County Journal, April 24, 2008: Taypayersbeing "suckered"

Smith is Selected to Attend The State ExecutiveDevelopment InstituteFriday, May 09, 2008

26


About The State Executive Development Institute

D.I. Smith attended the State Executive Development Institute (SEDI) conducted by theJohn C. Stennis Institute of Governement, Mississippi State University, May 4-9, 2008.

The State Executive Development Institute (SEDI) is an annual educational workshopoffered by the John C. Stennis Institute of Government. The SEDI is designed to preparemid- to upper-level state and local government executives to be more effective leaders. Abroad range of topics are presented by government officials, researchers, and instructorsin order to provide participants a well-rounded and applicable curriculum. The SEDIcurriculum includes management theory, organizational development concepts andtechniques, administrative and applied management techniques, and a variety of otherrelated and timely topics.

Held on the campus of Mississippi State University, SEDI brings many of the uniqueresources found on the university campus to the program. Mississippi State PersonnelBoard Certified Public Manager Program and participants may also receive threegraduate-level hours in Public Policy Administration at Mississippi State University uponcompletion of the program.

A maximum of 30 participants are chosen to attend SEDI each year, based on applicants’professional experience and responsibilities. Priority is given to Mississippi’s senior stateand local officials.

Property Tax EstimatorSaturday, May 10, 2008Many residents have been asking what will be the impact of annexation on their propertytaxes. An estimate can be obtained by using The Real Property Tax Estimatewhich is located on the Madison County Tax Assessors web site.

If you don't know the value of your property you can use the Land Roll Express Searchto find the value of your land and improvements.

Using the The Real Property Tax Estimate calculate the amount of tax selecting theappropriate filing status and selecting "None" as the City. Click calculate... this should beclose to what the taxes are now. Then change the City to Madison and re-calculate.Remember to select the correct School District: Canton or Madison. This will give a close

27


approximation of your taxes after annexation.

You can also use the The Real Property Tax Estimate to see the huge impact ofHomestead Exemption. Not only does it decease your actual tax by $300 or more, but itreduces the assessed value from 15% of appraised value to 10%.

The City of Madison millage is 43.8% higher than the City of Ridgeland. Click here to seecurrent Millage Rates .

Click here to see a 2009 Tax Millage Rate comparison of Madison County, Madison theCity, and Ridgeland.

Hopefully, any increase in taxes should be offset with reductions in the cost of yourproperty insurance due to lower fire rating code.

Comments1. Re: Property Tax Estimator

- Brent May 01, 2008

D.I.

Thanks for all the email updates on our county gov’t. It’s good to have someone like yourunning things. Keep up the good work.

BRENT

2. Re: Property Tax Estimator

- Woody May 01, 2008

DI, Thanks for all you do for us. If I can ever help you, please let me know.Thanks,Woody

3. Re: Property Tax Estimator

- Steve May 01, 2008

D.I.Thank you so much for the fantastic job you are doing for the citizens of MadisonCounty. We are so blessed to have you serving us as supervisor. I hope everything isgoing well for you. I know you have really got your hands full now.

I’m still out of town most of the time but I hope I can get to where I can work some fromhome.

Take care and God Bless You.

P.S. I have never known a public servant that was as dedicated to serving the citizenswith such high moral character as you.

I knew you would be great at this.

Steve

28

Madison County Tax Sale 2008


Sunday, July 20, 2008Click here to download Excel Spreadsheet listing the results of the 2008 Madison CountyTax Sale

Click here for Madison County Tax Collector Tax Sale Parcel Information in csv format

Sale to help Madison get back $3.5M in back taxes

By Elizabeth Crisp • [email protected] • July 17, 2008

Madison County tax sale data is now online.

The county will hold its annual tax sale next month in an attempt to recoup more than$3.5 million in back taxes.

Property owners who do not pay taxes by the last Monday in August face having theirproperties auctioned at the tax sale.

Typically, property taxes are paid without interest from November to February.

Beginning Feb. 1, an accruing penalty of 1 percent per month is applied to all unpaidtaxes.

Property owners are notified by mail three times, and the tax sale information is publishedin The Madison County Herald twice.

At the tax sale, people bid on the taxes owed.

The property owners have two years to pay back the auctioned amounts on theirproperties before deeds can be issued to the buyers.

Property owners who pay their taxes during the two-year period face an 18 percentinterest rate, or 1.5 percent per month.

Purchases may be paid by cash, credit card or personal check payable to Kay Pace, TaxCollector, Madison County, Miss.

Buyers must fill out an application at the tax collector’s office before the sale.

A spreadsheet of unpaid taxes is available on the Madison County tax collector’s Website at www.madison-co.com/elected_offices/tax_collector.

The information is updated every 24 hours as more owners pay their taxes.

The sale will be held at 8 a.m. Aug. 25 at the Justice Court building on U.S. 51.

To comment on this story, call Elizabeth Crisp at (601) 961-7303.

29

Madison County 2008 Tax Roll Inspection andExamination


Sunday, July 27, 2008Everyone

Enews Update, Wednesday, July 23, 2008:

Everyone:

I know some of you are like me and don’t pay much attention to the public notices in thelocal newspapers, but you might want to read this one or you may be surprised when youreceive your annual tax statement!

Click here for PUBLIC NOTICE, other info and inspect your property tax info.

Unredeemed 2006 Madison County Tax SaleParcels (as of July 1, 2008)Sunday, August 10, 2008Click for a list of properties sold at the 2006 Madison County tax sale which have notbeen redeemed as of July 1, 2008.

Extract of Clarion Ledger article,

Madison Co. aims to recover overdue taxes

Sunday, August 10, 2008:

In addition to this year's tax sale proceedings, property owners also must pay theiroutstanding 2005 taxes before Aug. 28 or tax sale deeds can be issued to investors whopurchased properties at the tax sales two years ago.

As of this week, about 332 of Madison County's properties that were sold during the 2006tax sale have not been redeemed, Johnston said.

"There has been a ton of payments from July until now," he said. "We'll see a lot moreleading up to the deadline."

Johnston said his office aims to whittle the number of parcels down to 100 before tax saledeeds are issued. About 89 did not pay by the deadline last year.

"We do everything in our power to get the taxes paid before people lose their land," hesaid.

Still, about two dozen people will turn at some point, saying they didn't know theirproperty had gone through the tax sale process, he said.

30

NOTICE OF TAX INCREASE FOR MADISONCOUNTY


Sunday, August 24, 2008The Madison Count Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on its proposedbudget and on a proposed ad valorem tax revenue increase for fiscal year 2009 onTuesday, September 2, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. in the board room of the Madison CountyOffice Complex at 125 W. North Street. Canton, Mississippi.

The Madison County Board of Supervisors is now operating with a projected total budgetrevenue of $59,075,686. (Forty-five percent) or $26,638,883, of such revenue is obtainedthrough ad valorem taxes. For next fiscal year, the proposed budget has total projectedrevenue of $69,798,446. Of that amount, 45 percent or $31,556,839, is proposed to befinanced through a total ad valorem tax levy.

For next fiscal year, the Madison County Board of Supervisors plans to increase your advalorem tax millage rate by 3.33 mills from 32.30 mills to 35.63 mills. This increasemeans that you will pay more in ad valorem taxes on your home, automobile tag, utilities,business fixtures and equipment and rental real property.

Any citizen of Madison County is invited to attend this public hearing on the proposed advalorem tax increase, and will be allowed to speak for a reasonable amount of time andoffer tangible evidence before any vote is taken.

Click here to review comments and MAKE YOUR VIEWS KNOWN:

Board of Supervisors John Bell Crosby [email protected] Tim Johnsont l j o h n s o n 2 5 9 @ c o m c a s t . n e t D . I . S m i t h d i @ d i s m i t h . c o m K a r l B a n k [email protected] Paul Griffin [email protected] John Bell Crosby601.874.5618 Tim Johnson 601.955.6672 D.I. Smith 601.707.8845 Karl Banks601.832.2962 Paul Griffin 601.937.2842

County Administrator Donnie Caughman1.601.855.5580P.O. Box 608Canton, MS 39046SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR! Let the local news reporters know your feelingregarding the proposed tax increase!

Write a letter to the editor:Clarion LedgerMadison County JournalMadison County HeraldNorthside Sun

Comments1. Re: NOTICE OF TAX INCREASE FOR MADISON COUNTY

- Amber August 24, 2008

31


I have read in the Madison County Journal this week about a proposed tax increase forresidents of Madison County. As a resident, I’m very concerned. The Board ofSupervisors is spending money left and right and overextending the county with bonds.Many residents in protest of the bond for the proposed Reunion Parkway interchange(and who were in the minority) forewarned the board that this would be the result. Weare now just a few months past this and here we sit being informed about a tax increase.A recession was predicted back in early spring. Gas prices were already on the risewhen these decisions were made, and analysts said the peak had not yet been reached.Gas was predicted in early spring to surpass $4.00 a gallon this summer which is exactlywhat happened. For the county to say now that gas expenses are up around 30% morethan they estimated seems irresponsible to me. They should have listened to thepredictions and budgeted and planned for the rise in prices. It seems that manymembers of the board and community members thought Madison County was immuneto the economic situation. We’ve discovered that they were wrong.

As a Madison County resident, I appreciate what the board has done for the county.However, we cannot become like the federal government and spend beyond our meansespecially in these tough economic times. Would I like to see the Reunion Parkwayinterchange? Yes, it would be nice and would help alleviate traffic on Bozeman.However, there are much more pressing projects that should be a priority such aswidening of Gluckstadt Road and a new interchange there first. I’m very uncomfortablewith the fact that we do not yet know where all of the money from this project is comingfrom or if it’s truly guaranteed. This has been pushed through at the expense of the taxpayers just to please a handful of large businesses. Are our local elected officialsrepresenting the residents best interests or big businesses’? I don’t feel that allmembers of the board are looking far enough into the future nor are they planning wiselyfor our county. I am also upset that tax payers are paying for the barrier wall at AshtonPark that the developer should have been responsible for. Developers need to be heldresponsible for what they agreed on and contracted to do. It shouldn’t become a burdenon the tax payers. And guess what – that money for the wall probably could havecovered the county’s 30% increase in gas expenses.

I know your position on these issues I’ve mentioned above and thank you for speakingup on behalf of your constituents, even though it’s not the popular opinion right now. Ihope that if enough residents such as I make the board aware of our concerns, they’lltake a step back and re-evaluate some of the decisions and planning they are doing forour county and its residents.

Respectfully,

Amber

2. Re: NOTICE OF TAX INCREASE FOR MADISON COUNTY

- Frank August 24, 2008

I read Lucy Weber’s article regarding our Board of Supervisors considering a taxincrease to help cover higher cost. I understand cost have risen. I understand fuel costand repair and construction cost has risen. I agree we must maintain and support ourpublic safety. What I don’t understand is how much more can taxpayers handle? Ourcost have risen; our fuel cost are higher, Entergy ask for and got more, Exxon Mobile isgetting much more, Kroger is getting more, Obama is going to get more, etc. Where dowe get more? We can’t vote ourselves an income increase like Congress, theMississippi Legislature, or the Madison County Board of Supervisors can. In fact, a fewweeks ago at a company meeting one of my fellow employees asked the owner of ourcompany about a cost of living increase and we were told that because our cost is upand business is slow we would not be able to get a cost of living increase. Yet MadisonCounty wants and needs more.

32


Companies are experiencing higher cost and reduced revenues and several are layingoff “Taxpayers”. Where are these people going to get more? I’m sure that when BillyMcCoy and the rest of our so called representatives come back to Jackson they aregoing to want and get more. Where are we the “Taxpayers” to get more? Myhomeowners taxes went up a few months ago and I was told this increase would beoffset by lower homeowner’s insurance rates; yet I haven’t seen a reduction yet. Myhome is supposedly worth less due to the “Mortgage Crisis” and the poor performance ofthe government instituted Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, yet my homeowner’s taxes aregoing up?

I qualify for retirement due to disability but I am forced to continue working cause I can’tafford to live (and pay Madison Co more money) on the amount of disability that SocialSecurity says I qualify to draw. I cannot draw my 401K because I’m to young, I cannotget welfare cause I make too much, yet Madison County wants and needs more. ButReunion will have a nice interchange.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the “public hearing” scheduled for 9:00 a.m. onTuesday September 2nd because I (like most working taxpayers) have to work. I wouldhave loved to had the opportunity to share my feelings with the Board of Supervisorsand heard a response, but, I would like my concerns read into the record if the rulesallow.

Frank


- highhopes August 24, 2008

stan says...Well it's time to pay the piper as it relates to decisions made in the past year by ourBoard of Supervisors. On the "fly" decisions such as bond sale and barriers have costconsequences and now the Board desires freely to pass that cost onto the backs of usMadison County taxpayers that are living on retirement income. We are familiar with thecost of living as we all execute budgets monthly. When our expenses exceed ourincome, decisions must be made in that regard but you know that's how I treat mymoney; I would likely do differently if my budget was funded by someone else other thanmyself. The Board is making decisions with my money and not theirs which is easy.These are good times in Madison County but just think how they would be behaving ifthere were no increase in growth (assessed valuation of personal and real property).Based on my calculation the assessed valuation has increased some 7.4% and withouta millage increase this would be the increased percentage of revenue. With this and theproposed 10.3% increase in millage rate results in an overall revenue increase ofapproximately 18.5%. Looks like "sock-it-to-me" time and this taxpayer has both eyesblack.

Thanks for this forum,Stan


- Ramon August 24, 2008

I'm absolutley delighted (NOT) to know that I can pay more taxes to benefit the folksassociated with the Reunion Parkway--and to do the landscaping that the contractorshould have done on the road. Also-we've taken over the Annandale subdivision--withattendant service costs--thought their taxes were supposed to take care of this--and withthe growth of Madison county--thought the increase in tax base would take care ofnecessary improvements--

33



- David August 24, 2008

Don't make us pay for the Board's poor financial managment!

NO MORE TAXES!


- Mark August 24, 2008

“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting uson….or by imbeciles who really mean it.” – Mark Twain


- Anonymous August 25, 2008

John McCain said to compare the spending of the U.S. Congress to drunken sailors wasan insult to drunken sailors. So I certainly wouldn't want to insult them further bycomparing the spending of the Madison County Board of Supervisors to them. They doseem committed to spending at a voracious level. What happened to the maxim thatgrowth would pay for all these projects that "benefit a few developers?" I think the LawOf Diminishing Returns has kicked in, and now we are going to have to pay for it.Thank your supervisor and vote him out of office if he supports this tax increase.


- Jeff August 25, 2008

I totally agree with the people on the blog - it makes no sense to keep expanding thecounty infrastructure by increasing taxes as continuous new construction will keepexisting property appreciation very slow. Another selling point of Madison County overHinds is our low taxes - and that appears to be going out the window.

I could see a wonderful source of revenue that would keep property taxes low if the statewould let us vote on a local option sales tax to reap the benefits of our investment inretail space... But that is just a dream, I guess.


- Gerald August 25, 2008

I would like to think that in the county with the highest per-capita income in the state, andthe highest median home value, the county officials could operate within a budgetcommensurate with the resulting tax revenue. I have to operate my business thatway…why shouldn’t the Board of Supervisors be required to do the same?

You may submit this comment to the Board if they’re interested.


- Bill August 25, 2008

Please vote against any tax increase; don't raise taxes.... our food has gone up; our gas;our energy; our insurance... now we don't need increased spending for unneededprojects. We need to live within our budget!


- Eric August 25, 2008

Thanks for the update on the Board of Supervisors proposed tax increase.

We are against an increase in taxes at this time. Our taxes are doubling due to the Cityof Madison annexation. That is enough increase for us to digest in one year especially inlight of historic market driven and inflationary increases in everything from fuel to food.

34


We need to get our citizens past these lean economic times.

The taxpayers need a break, even in Madison County, MS.



Every household and every business has to live within its means. Our local, state, andFederal government should do the same. While I am glad to participate in this greatRepublic by paying my fair share of taxes, I believe the time has come for a belttightening rather than a tax increase. After all, taxpayers can't just ask for a raisebecause things cost more--they have to make do with less. A tax increase meanstaxpayers will have to do with less, not more. Let's all share the burden by NOT raisingtaxes.



DI,

I am opposed to a tax increase. Our taxes are high enough already. I appreciate thatyou weren't in office when decisions were made that led to some of the problems, and Iknow you are now having to deal with them. Still, I would encourage the county to find away to live within its means.

I appreciate your service in your current office.



The Federal Government has no money. The state government has no money. Thecounty government has no money. The city government has no money. Only the citizenshave money.

Please let us keep what we have.



Thanks, D.I. for keeping us informed.

I, like many others, won't be able to attend the BOS meeting on this issue because Imust still work to make ends meet for our household.

In my past experience, additional costs for infrastructure due to growth in housingdevelopments and business parks/retail space is assessed against the developers, notthe existing tax base. Since the county is either insufficiently staffed or inexperienced incollecting on these types of contract considerations, the BOS might consider adding aperson whose responsibility it would be to make sure these assessments are included indeals with developers and collected. Paying $45,000.00 a year to collect the$32,000,000.00 a year would be a wise investment. Would the taxpayers rather sharethe 0.14% cost for that service or foot the entire $32M? Hmmm?

Please share this with the entire Board of Supervisors. You all have made this county adesirable place to live and profitable place to construct new developments, now all ofyou need to consider your constituents - those who own homes & businesses, pay taxesand vote for you.


35


- Mike August 29, 2008

Madison County Taxes may soon Skyrocket (Ltr, Northside Sun, Aug 28, 2008)Dear Editor:You have to find some degree of irony in the fact that the Madison County Board ofSupervisors has chosen September 2 at 9 a.m. to hold a public hearing on the county’sproposed budget. Labor Day originated in 1882 as "a dayoff for the working man." By scheduling the meeting at 9 a.m., the board virtually assuresthat most working men and women will be unable to attend the meeting which willinvolve a discussion of the first tax increase in MadisonCounty in over 20 years – yet another not too subtle dig at the average working man andwoman at a time when most working families are struggling to pay for roceries,medicines, fuel, and children’s educations.“Wait just a minute,” you might say. Isn’t this also the argument being made by thecounty? Expenses have gone up tremendously. When cornered by the press after thelast board meeting, County Administrator Donnie Caughmanwhipped out his crib sheet of quick responses to prove that a proposed 3.33 mil taxincrease was necessary to cover increased expenses such as fuel and asphalt. Whenasked about the 5.3 percent increase in the value of all taxedproperty in Madison County, Mr. Caughman responded that the revenuereaped from that indirect tax increase was already consumed by the additional cost ofdoing business. Well, you do the quick and dirty math. The propertytax collections, which include the price of our car tags, for 2007-2008 were budgeted at$25,813,441. A5.3 percent increase in the value of this tax basewould be an additional $1,368,112. Now even if you have a dozen Hummers sitting inyour driveway, that’s still a lot of extra cash for gas money. Another item blamed by Mr.Caughman for the increased taxation was a $400,000 needed increase in the Sheriff’sDepartment budget. Yet no one mentioned that the last 16 Sheriff’s Department vehiclesreplaced this year were given tothe city of Canton rather than sold to recoup department expenses. Certainly,the sale may have generated only $40,000 for the Sheriff’s Department, but that wouldbe $40,000 not coming out of the taxpayer’s pocket.THIS IS JUST one example of fiscal short sightedness on the part of the board. If youwould like a few more examples, then, as the bard said, “let me count the ways”:1. The $700,000 hole in the county budget due to a deficit at the beginning of the currentfiscal year that will result in $700,000 less in the next fiscal yearunless it is replenished;2. The Ashton Park wall – a $300,000 [low ball estimate] fence to be built on privateproperty;3. The Reunion Parkway - funded with only $17 million in the recent $33 million bondissue with an additional $6 million coming from MDOT and $6 million from as yetunnamed mystery donor(s) - leaving at least $11 millionof the $40 million plus project unfunded with no hint yet of federal funding despite a full-time lobbyist complete with salary and expense account paid forby the taxpayer;4. The debt servicing of the $33 million bond issue - approximately $2.5 million per year;5. The most recent plan to shave down a hill at the scene of a terrible accident –$300,000 that begs the question, “Could more law enforcement, increased tickets andfines, higher auto insurance for offenders, and keys confiscatedby parents do a better job in long term behavior modification?”;6. Deliberations that seem to favor a fortunate few rather than the entire county -including certain cities with more access to county funding for city projects than othercities; and7. Paying ever increasing engineering fees – a review of the monthly Madison Countyclaims docket printed in one of the local papers indicates over $5 million paid out in thelast 21 months in engineering fees.

36


If you are keeping count, that makes approximately $3.8 million in projects and deficitsfor items 1-5 alone with still other projects and expenses outstanding.As a rule of thumb, a one mil tax will generate $1 million dollars for the county. So weend up with 3.8 mils being spent on these few items so far, and the board is asking for a3.33 mil increase – for now. But the story maynot be over even after all of this. With fully a third of the Reunion project still unfunded,other projects in the works, increasing engineering and other costs, and a decliningeconomy, don’t be surprised if the final tax increase, after all the posturing and handwringing, comes out to be more like 5-6 mils instead of 3.33 mils. Also bear in mind, thistax increase doesn’t include city taxes or school taxes – where there is a 2.5 milsincrease being considered for theCanton School District. So if you’re one of the lucky property owners recently annexedinto the city of Madison, you can look forward to your tax billincreasing by at least 33 percent as you absorb the new city taxes and the increasedcounty taxes.In fact about the only silver lining in this litany of ineptitude, is the fact thatDemocrats in the county can now breathe a sigh of relief. For decades now everyonehas been told that it was the “evil, liberal Democrats” who capriciouslyraised taxes and mismanaged money. Now it seems that the first taxincrease in 20 years in Madison County will pass with the votes ofRepublican board members leading the way. Like their post Labor Day public hearingwithout the working public, this is just another demonstration of the insensitivity theMadison County Board of Supervisors continues to showtoward the working man and woman and the taxpayers who elected them to office. Myadvice to my fellow average citizens in Madison County is to get informed, get mad, andget to the public meeting on September 2, if at all possible.Michael J. SmithRidgeland


- Jerry August 29, 2008

Decrease, Not Increase Taxes in Madison County(Clarion Ledger Ltr, Aug 29, 2009A few months back, Madison County Supervisor Tim Johnson assured the taxpayersthat approval of his bond issue to build the Reunion Parkway interchange would notresult in a tax increase. He thumbed his nose at waiting for state and federal funds forthe project and proceeded to issue the bond.

Advertisement

Now he is ready to take the blame, while letting his constituents pay for his folly.

Mr. Johnson is obviously not aware that we are in a recession and that a larger percentof homeowners are failing to pay their taxes in Madison County and are in jeopardy oflosing their homes and/or property.

He and his fellow supervisors need to read the minutes of the early 1930s supervisormeetings and see what real men did to help their fellow citizens as a recession wasdeveloping into a depression. These minutes are in the basement of the Chancery Courtbuilding and will give them a lesson in how to combat a recession.

Anything less than a decrease in taxes will be detrimental to the health and well-being ofthe county.

Jerry A. Thomas

37


Ridgeland


- Phil September 01, 2008

Just as citizens must live within the budgets available to them, the County must makecuts to live within the money currently available. With foreclosures on the rise, job loses,no cost of living raisings from employers, and rising costs at the pump, grocery, etc,Madison County's citizens cannot be asked to give more. The County should do more tocut costs before asking for more money.

I am also wondering why the Sheriff's department needs additonal funding when a largerportion of the County is controlled (and patrolled) by the City of Madison.

How much could be saved by removing curb-side recycling? How much could be savedby eliminating tax reinvestment zones that benefit commercial developments and limitedthe taxes paid into the general fund?

There are so many points that can be made, but others have made them better than Icould.

I am against a tax increase.


- Anonymous September 01, 2008

I strongly oppose the Madison county tax increase. Given the fact that housing valueshave fallen, and many have not, and will not be able to afford to pay for reappraisals inorder to help reduce applied taxes, this needs to be stopped. Residents of this area areoften labeled as a group of "affluents", and are a target for everything from overpriced,undervalued services, to what we're dealing with here -- taxes. It's a form of financialdiscrimination that many families simply cannot afford to be a subjected to.


- userJT September 02, 2008

If Elvis raises my taxes, I am going to do everything I can to get him beat in the nextelection. My taxes have already gone up with the annexation.


- userSN September 02, 2008

DI,

As a new member of the city of Madison, I am happy to now be part of one of the bestcities in this State or the South for that matter. However, with the increased taxes thatare coming mine and Stacey's way, I am trying to determine what benefits we areactually receiving. We are not concerned about an additional day of garbage pickup -we certainly did not receive any type of insurance reduction as the insurer's alreadyknew where we lived and truthfully did not care if we were in the city or not - we are notin significant need of the Madison police presence that one can easily see sinceincorporation as it only equates to more tickets and not necessarily more safety/lesscrime (our neighborhood is already gated and the county sheriff patrolled it effectivelybefore and still does). We will certainly support the laws and tax requirements of the citybut have reasonable questions as to what we are receiving in return for our increasedtaxes. While thinking about what changes to the city are needed, the one thing thatjumps out to me is that Hwy 463 (whether it is four lanes or two) need appropriatelighting. Based on the speed of the traffic and the curves and turns into neighborhoodsthis truly is a dangerous road. Don't know what the County can do and assume this is

38


now a City function.....please advise as to what group has jurisdiction over installinglighting on Hwy 463 as I would like to have discussions with them on the subject.


- userSS September 02, 2008

As a Madison county resident and Madison county business owner, I strongly opposethe tax increase. The county must manage expenses like your constituents have towhen faced with adversity. Residents are already facing increased gasoline, utility andfood cost coupled with a slowing housing market. The last thing we need right now isanother increase in our expenses. Thank you for voting against a tax increase.


- AampJB September 02, 2008

Good Morning, Mr. Smith,

Thank you for taking on the responsibility of representing the residents of Madisoncounty.

Regarding the proposed tax increase, my husband and I would plead with the countyleaders to balance the budget already in place. Surely the county can follow the samepath as homeowners. As we are finding costs all around us rising, but our income isdiminishing, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our spending. Sadly, we,unlike the county, do not have the opportunity to demand a greater income (from thosewho have less than we).

Rising costs are threatening many of us. As citizens of the county, we plead with ourleaders to recognize that this is a time when the citizens, more than at any time in manydecades, are desperately counting on the leadership to help us survive, not to raisetaxes and thereby put us at further peril of losing our homes.

We challenge our leaders to examine all areas of spending and ascertain where there isexcess, lack of accountability, or poor management, and then tighten the current budget.Certainly, both the government and the people of Madison county would benefit fromsuch a course of action.

Sincerely,


- David September 02, 2008

Dear DI:

Thanks for the update on the tax issue. As a tax payer in Madison County, I, too, find itvery disturbing a meeting will be held at a time most of us have to work; especially aftera storm. Maybe "they" will reconsider only because of the storm since many aredisplaced and many of our fine folks are helping to take care of our neighboring friendsat shelters. In fact, I think it would be a great idea for "those" who scheduled such ameeting to volunteer their time at some of the shelters around OUR county..

Once again DI, thank you for being part of OUR county and not apart from it. I wish youand your the absolute best. We depend on you to keep us informed.

Best regards,


- jhgill September 05, 2008

39


This 6.33 milage increase on the Citizens of Madison County is crazy. We are spendingto much money on projects that are designed to enrich the wealthy land owners in thearea. Two projects that need to be killed. The Reunion Parkway Interchane andCalhoun Station. We allready have to many half filled strip malls and undevelopedcommercial property in the area. I do not want to live in a County filled with vacant storefronts. We need to slow down. I will gladly work to defeat the 50M bond issue andrepeal the milage increase.


- Bill September 05, 2008

I do not understand how it is suppose to be law that the County must advertise for acertain number of days prior to making these types of decisions that affect all of theCounty Taxpayers can arbitrary double the amount of increases it originally proposed.Maybe I am missing something? We have operated a business for 18 years inGluckstadt, MS. Not one dime has been spent to improve Our interchange at I-55 andGluckstadt Road. All this tax increase is (as I see it) is a way for The City of Madison tofinance the Reunion Interchange that is really not needed. The residential andcommercial markets in Madison County are saturated as it is. All the more reason tohold off on The Reunion Interchange and focus efforts on the Gluckstadt Interchangeand Gluckstadt Road on out to Hwy. 463 where developments are already constructed. Iwould appreciate your comments regarding this confusion.



Madison County taxpayers have been hit by a storm called “Madison County Board ofSupervisors” this morning by approving a tax increase. The advertised Public Hearingthis morning was to discuss a tax increase of 3.33 mills. The tax increase was approvedby a vote of 3-2 (Tim Johnson, Karl Banks, & Paul Griffin for and DI Smith and John BellCrosby against).

The County Administrator Donnie Caughman announced an additional 3 mills of newexpenditures so the approved increase grew from 3.33 mills to 6.33 mills.


- userRM September 05, 2008

Excellent coverage. What a shame, tho', that people don't know who orchestrated thevote for the bonds sale that helped create the 'need' for extra taxes.



Thanks for voting against the millage rate increase.

As The Clarion-Ledger editoral said today, a re-vote is in order. I hope you will push forit.


- Jana September 05, 2008

Dear Supervisors of Madison County:

I am outraged at the way you have treated the residents of Madison County with respectto the tax rate increase you recently voted into place. I understand that all of you did notfavor this increase, however, you should all know the feelings of your neighbors, so I’msending this message to every supervisor.

40


It is a disgrace that you would increase our taxes to this degree without first spendinglots of time researching other methods to accomplish your goal of county infrastructurethat would have resulted in less of a tax increase. Partnerships have worked in the pastfor such issues in our county and you chose to ignore that.

I intend to vigorously campaign against each of you that voted for the tax increase thenext time you choose to run for any office of any kind. Clearly, you cannot be trusted toact in the best interest of the voters who placed you in office.


- MichaelSmith September 08, 2008

I have heard that Mary Hawkins, Mayor of Madison, is denying any knowledge of a planto raise county taxes to pay for projects that were originally touted by certain MadisonCounty politicians as “not requiring a tax increase”. This reminds me a great deal of theclassic scene in Casablanca where police Captain Renault, played by Claude Rains,declares while standing in Rick’s casino that “I am shocked, shocked that there isgambling going on in Rick’s!” Only to have the casino cashier walk up and say “yourwinnings Captain Renault”.

I suppose someone could expect to have the cost of their city infrastructuresupplemented with county funds. I suppose someone could expect to annex largeneighborhoods while promising road improvement paid for by the county, and I supposesomeone could expect construction of a tremendously expensive parkway interchangeproject on their doorstep paid for again with county funding. I suppose someone couldactually believe that the county money was just never going to run out. But I give MayorHawkins more credit than that. In fact, people seem to continually underestimate MayorHawkins. Many people have already forgotten that a few years ago Mayor Hawkins wasnot happy with the proposal for spending a large school bond passed by the voters. Likeall good mayors, she wanted more of the money spent in her city. Suddenly, for somestill unknown reason, the Justice Department appeared with a court order to stop theuse of the bond money until it was determined that the spending was fair for allconcerned. The school board’s plan was later proved in court to be appropriate, but bythen the lengthy court proceedings had cost the school system thousands of dollars indelayed constructions costs and legal fees – money that could have been spent onMadison County students.

The city of Madison has managed to recoup a fair percentage of the county taxes paidby its citizens over the years by receiving county funding for road projects in and aroundthe city of Madison. By contrast, the city of Ridgeland has received only pennies on thedollar for the large amount of county taxes paid by its residents. This can be seen in thecounty budget comparison provided by the Board of Supervisors. Madison received78% of the county road money in 2007, 38% in 2008 [still the lion’s share], and willreceive 61% in 2009. Of the fifteen road projects proposed in the new [second] $50million dollar bond issue, 48% of those project or either in the city of Madison or on itsdoorstep – basically Supervisor District 2. The Board of Supervisors has demonstratedan unwillingness to live within a budget or to say no to pet projects. Now, unless thepeople speak up, the Madison County taxpayers must suffer an incredible tax burden,while one small piece of the county continues to collect its winnings.

The only way out of this mess is to go back to the beginning. The Board of Supervisorsneeds to reopen public meetings and schedule them at a time when working men andwomen – the taxpayers and their constituents – can attend. Everything should be on thetable for review – even the Reunion Parkway Interchange that started this mess. Finally,the Reunion Interchange Parkway project should be shelved unit the economic climatein the state and the country has improved. The $14 million slated for that project can be

41


better spent on projects that promote safety and address real needs – like theGluckstadt interchange and the neglected streets in the Annandale community. Both ofthese projects are included in the Board of Supervisors’ second $50 million dollar bondissue, and there won’t be any more bond issues in Madison County without a vote by itscitizens.

Michael Smith


- CommonCitizen September 08, 2008

I am trying to figure out how you even begin to dream up increasing property taxes 20%period. Not to mention the rising cost of living, including gas prices, food prices etc.People might have been able to understand an increase but this is ridiculous. If anyoneof you that receives this email can give me honest answer of how a 20% INCREASE isgoing to help the city then let me have it.

I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW HOW I FELT ABOUT THIS.

Pass this along to whoever cares, obviously you guys don't care about the averagepeople when you propose to do something like this.

Common Citizen


- Angie September 08, 2008

How sad....Madison is voted Top 100 Cities in America in which to live and this is theway it's citizens are treated. I am totally against this tax increase and am saddened thatthe citizens' best interests were not taken into consideration. It's all about a dollar. Whynot try uniting Madison instead of dividing it. Afterall, it's the citizens that make Madisonwhat it is today!!

Angie



Thanks for voting No on the tax increase.

Thanks,Jeremy


- Scott September 08, 2008

What time and where is the board meeting? I hope, and request that the time be afterwork so the real tax paying citizens that this is effecting can be there in force. I need tosend out e-mails to let people know what time and where.

Thanks


- Rick September 08, 2008

As always, thank you for your leadership on this issue. I have emailed my opposition toSupervisors Johnson, Griffin and Banks. They should be ashamed.



42


My wife and I just recently moved to Madison. We are retired but have lived in a numberof communities in several states. We thought that of the two public meetings wewanted to attend here in Madison, both were scheduled at an inopportune time for thepublic. What we are hearing sounds like a train whistle to us. Everyone likes power andsome of those in power around here appear to want to keep it; they do things in the darkso they can stay in charge. People, get with the program! Time to derail this railroad.Seems like we had a tea party once due to taxation without representation.

Supervisors OK 6.33-mill tax hikeWednesday, September 03, 2008Tuesday, Sept 2, 2008, a PUBLIC HEARING was conducted to review the upcoming2008-2009 budget and associated tax levy. A public notice had been previouslypublished announcing the budget hearing and proposed 3.33 mil tax levy.

Then on Tuesday after the PUBLIC HEARING closed, the County Administrator informedthe Board of "New Growth and Requirements." It is anticipated that another $5oM bondissue will be needed to cover the costs of the projects. So, another 3 mils was added tothe already proposed 3.33 mil levy totaling 6.33 mils. There was outrage expressed bymany in attendance that such a "Bait and Switch" scheme would be used and manyexpressed concern as to whether the tax increase was legal with out proper PUBLICNOTICE.

Supervisors Tim Johnson, Karl Banks and Paul Griffin voted for the increased taxes; andJohn Bell Crosby and D.I. Smith voted against the increase.

Several residents stated they would oppose future bond issues by signing a petitionrequesting a referendum on the proposed $50 bond issue. If 1,500 residents sign apetition, the proposed bond issue will have to be approved by voters through areferendum.

On a $100,000 house, the annual tax increase will be $63.30; on a $200,000 house,$126.60. On a $300,000 house, it will be $189.90 annually and $253.20 on a $400,000house.

Comments1. Re: Supervisors OK 6.33-mill tax hike

- Sam September 03, 2008

This is a good example of what happens when a county lives beyond its means and theappetite for growth exceeds the budget. When Madison Co. cant even operate on abudget given the businesses and residents already there it becomes quiteembarrassing. Why cant Madison the city pay for paving Annandale and why cantdevelopers pay for their own pet projects, why must it be taxpayers who need other"necessities" that most other counties can provide while lowering taxes! Rankin Co. islooking pretty good now, I might move there, they have nice homes and pretty brickbuildings too!

43

Madison County Real Property Tax Calculator


Wednesday, September 03, 2008During the last few weeks I've been asked numerous times about taxes, impact of City ofMadison Annexation, and impact of Madison County tax millage levy increases. So, tohelp individuals analyze the various complex tax questions I developed an Excelspreadsheet program which is pretty handy in helping to answer your questions .... clickhere to down load the Madison County Real Property Tax Calculator file.

I hope this is useful to you. If you have suggested improvements please call or email.Please click below to post comments! Thanks!

Madison County Taxpayers Upset Over DoubleIncreaseFriday, September 05, 2008

• Video: Madison's Tax Backlash POSTED: 11:40 pm CDT September 4, 2008Madison County Taxpayers Upset Over Double Increase

MADISON COUNTY, Miss. -- Madison County taxpayers are angry about a property taxhike double than anticipated, 16 WAPT reported.

The county's Board of Supervisors approved a 6.3 mil increase this week, whichprompted a strong response to Feedback 16.

From the Internet to the radio, taxpayers want to know why their taxes jumped by thelargest amount in the county's history, 16 WAPT's Joseph Pleasant said.

"I would personally like to see Tim Johnson, Karl Banks and Paul Griffin resign," saidFrank Halford, a taxpayer, referencing the members of the Board of Supervisors whovoted in favor of the mil increase.

The board heard public comment on a 3.3 mil increase before closing public commentand voting on a 6.3 mil increase.

"It's a classic case of bait and switch," Halford said.

Madison County taxpayers are angry at the Board of Supervisors and Board PresidentTim Johnson, in particular.

44


A radio ad tells listeners, "Tim Johnson raised your taxes. He had some help -- yeah --but he was the ring leader."

Johnson, who spoke with 16 WAPT from Birmingham, said the mil tax increase will goexclusively to road projects in the county.

"I truly believe, as we build the infrastructure Madison County needs, that's going toencourage economic and commercial development," he said.

District 3 Supervisor D.I Smith said about 50 taxpayers have called and posted to hisWeb site DISmith.com. Smith said infrastructure is a top priority -- especially at theGluckstadt Interstate 55 interchange -- but he voted against the tax increase.

"We ought to do it the way we did it in the past: A partnership," he said.

Smith points to the Highland Colony Parkway, where developers, cities and the countiesfunded the road without a tax increase.

"For families now, it's probably the worst time for us to have this type of tax increase,"Smith said.

On a $200,000 home, the increase amounts to about $126. The increase will be evenmore for people annexed into the city of Madison this year. Smith said those residentswill be paying about 28 mils in city taxes for the first time.

WAPT left messages for supervisors John Bell Crosby, Griffin and Banks, but they did notreturn the station's calls.

Comments1. Re: Madison County Taxpayers Upset Over Double Increase


"Johnson, who spoke with 16 WAPT from Birmingham, said the mil tax increase will goexclusively to road projects in the county."

Translation: "The mill tax increase will go exclusively to Rudy Warnock's pocket since hewill be getting all the road projects in Madison County."

Where the tax increase started: "The more thingschange, the more t...Wednesday, September 10, 2008Madison County -- It's deja' vu all over again by Andy Taggart, RED/BLUE

In 2006, my former Madison County Board of Supervisors colleague Doug Jones and Ivoted against and wrote against a slip-shod $50 million bond issue, knowing it would leadto a tax increase. Now, that is exactly what has happened to Madison County taxpayers.

Doug joined me this past week in writing a follow-up column addressing the facts that ledto this outrage. Those who are interested in reading it may find it set out in full below.

45


As readers will note, the tactics used by the majority of the Madison County Board ofSupervisors last week, when they jacked up the tax rate by 20%, perfectly mirror theirtactics two years ago when they doubled the county's debt load to about $100 million.Where have you gone, Yogi Berra?

------------------------------------

Click to see news article from February 2006 explaining how our current tax fiascostarted!

It's deja vu all over again: Here is a follow up opinion piece

By Andy Taggart and Doug Jones

Comments1. Re: Where the tax increase started: "The more things change, the more they stay the same!"


What we do know is that expressly excluded from the legislative grant of home ruleis authority to:----- (b) issue bonds of any kind ---??????!!!!!!Don't voters also determine by vote the limit these supervisors can increse taxes (ie) upto 6 mil but they would probably only go to something less?

Petition Against Tax HikeWednesday, September 10, 2008Many, many Madison County residents have requested a way to express their sentimentregarding the recent Madison County tax hike and are using this petition as an officialway to communicate and make feelings a part of the permanent record of MadisonCounty.

The Chancery Clerk office says the fax is running continuously and hasn't shut off forhours. They are also accepting scanned emailed copies or email notes with the petitioncut and pasted into the body of the note with name and address info provided. They maybe sent to: Chancery Clerk at mailto:[email protected]

They are even keeping a log of phone calls to the Chancery Clerk office regarding the taxhike!

Experienced office personnel say there has been nothing equal to this since the "100%reappraisal of property" in 2002-2003 time frame!

Madison County 2009 Budget and Tax LevyTuesday, September 16, 2008The people of Madison County spoke loud and clear via a barrage of petitions, emailsand letters in manner never witnessed in Madison County Politics and providing themotivation for the 3 members of the Madison County Board of Supervisors who

46


masterminded a text book “Bait & Switch” routine two weeks ago in which an additional 3mills were added to an announced 3.33 tax increase; for a total of 6.33 mills, toreconsider.

Over 6,000 petitions were received by the Madison County Chancery Clerk requestingthat the shady tax hike be rescinded and any future plans for bond issue undergo a fullpublic review and referendum.

After a futile attempt to explain away the tax hike with a shallow explanation laying theblame on how a two year old previous 1.5mil tax cut, the 3-year old privatization of trashpick up, and even overstating the amount of increased annual support costs for HolmesJunior College resulted in the requirement for a 3.33 mil increase; Board President TimJohnson never gave an explanation for all the rhetoric of the last 2.5 years as to howthere would be no tax hike for the building of Reunion Parkway and Reunion Interchangeon I-55; nor why Madison County taxpayers should be burdened with the virtuallyunheard of local requirement to pay for an Interstate Interchange.

Reunion Interchange would be the first one in Mississippi to be paid for by localgovernment and one of a handful in the entire United States!

In reality, much of the increase is going for Bond Debt Service Costs to pay for the last$50 million bond issue which was approved in 2006 (issued $5M in 2006; $12M in 2007;$33M in 2008), and the income from a 5.3% new growth will help cover costs of inflation,etc.

Actually 2.60 mills goes to bond debt service costs and .73 mils to General County for a3% pay raise to County Employees and other items. President Tim Johnson stated that amillion dollars was required for waste management, but actually the millage for that areawas reduced. He also stated that $1M was required for Holmes Junior College, but it isactually less than a 0.5 mil or less than $500K.

Not mentioned was the fact that the 2008 Budget was a deficit budget which included$700K from the uncommitted cash (reserve account). None of this $700K was used, butwas it was still included in the 2008 Budget figure... so, that is $700,000, 0.7 mil thatcould have been reduced from the 3.33 mil increase right off the top!

After discussion, a motion was made by D.I. Smith, with a second by John Bell Crosby tothe roll the tax hike back to zero, but that was defeated with a 2-3 split vote; and the 3.33mil tax increase was passed by a vote of 3-1-1. Tim Johnson, Karl Banks, and PaulGriffin voted for the increase. D.I. Smith voted against it, and John Bell Crosby abstained.

Afterward, Board President Tim Johnson announced that he would not be seeking re-election.

More that 150 residents were present for the hearings and a number expressedfrustration with how the County could even consider a tax increase with all the newgrowth and during these trying economic times, questioning management, engineeringfees, and also demanding open, transparent and accountable government. Even MayorHawkins-Butler, City of Madison, made a passionate plea for the Board to conduct ascrub of the $60mil budget with an eye for cuts and cost savings and not have any taxincrease. That advice went unheeded!

47


Then Monday night, news started spreading of the outrageous Canton MunicipalSeparate School District tax hike. They had published Notice for a planned 2.5 millincrease, but late Monday adopted a whopping 19.4 mill increase! Then, on Tuesdayafter a public outcry rolled the increase back to a 7.7 mill increase. So, many Madisonresidents will not only have to pay 10% higher county taxes, but now have a 25%increase in Canton School Taxes from 30.89 to 38.59 mills! So, many Madison Countytaxpayers attended the wrong meeting Monday and were not aware of the huge increase!

Click here to download a spreadsheet comparison of the 2008 levy with the new 2009levy.

Click here to download a spreadsheet summary of the 2009 Budget Expense Categoriescompared to the 2008 Budget

Comments1. Re: Madison County 2009 Budget and Tax Levy

- David September 17, 2008

Thank you for your recent blog posting. You definitely helped me to realize that I wasn'thearing things when I was at the meeting Monday morning. As I was sitting there themath was not computing in my head. I actually asked the person sitting by me if TimJohnson had any working knowledge of the budget or if he just made numbers up toprove his point. As I may have stated in talking to you Monday, my concern is not onlyabout the taxes and the general ineptitude in fiduciary duty but it is also about thearrogance that some of the other supervisors are displaying. For them to think that theycan make things up, cover things up and take legislative action with total disregard totheir constituents is reprehensible. I am doing everything in my power to spread theword about the irresponsible manner in which our affairs are being handled by themajority of our supervisors.Thank you for your help in bringing this to light.

2. Re: Madison County 2009 Budget and Tax Levy


Very interesting the way those 3 like to spend our hard earned money during the time ofessentially a recession. Now what can we do? Erin from Ingleside

3. Re: Madison County 2009 Budget and Tax Levy

- Anonymous October 19, 2008

Stan says....I agree totally with "david said". The attitude of the majority of the MadisonCounty Supervisors is one of arrogance!! I attended the meeting where citizen input(mine included)was heard in regard to 3.3 mill increase and left with a 6.3 increase.What a deal? The arrogance of three supervisors was "front & center". Since thecounty is on a UNIT SYSTEM for road maintenance, District 4 & 5 see this as anopportunity to have their roads funded by the "rich folks" of southern Madison County.The District 2 supervisor vote was simply a "go along" vote or a political trade-off. Backto ARROGANCE - I was appalled that there were no Board meeting to discuss thebudget as a whole; nor no effort to call the department heads in to justify their requestand address specific questions of the group; nor is there a budget committee to reviewthe proposed budget. The county, as can be seen by this, is not performing in a trulybusiness manner. Unfortunately we are stuck with what I would call the number one skillset - ARROGANCE and DISREGARD FOR CITIZEN INPUT!!!

48

I-55/Gluckstadt Road Interchange Improvements


Tuesday, October 14, 2008MDOT Project No. NH-0055-21(163)/102315 001000 Madison County

The initial Stakeholder Interviews were conducted on Monday, October 13, 2008, togather input on the proposed project during early phases of the NEPA (NationalEnvironmental Protection Act) process. Information on why the proposed project isneeded has been provided to MDOT reps and their environmental contractor for theproject: Gresham, Smith and Partners.

MDOT hopes to be able to "fast track" this project.

There are many questions and decisions that must be addressed as part of theenvironmental impact process. One of the most critical decisions may be whether toclose the overpass leaving only the on/off access ramps on either side during specificportions of the reconstruction. This option is estimated to shave months off theconstruction time frame and save a substantial amount in terms of costs.

Intial public reviews are estimated to be conducted in the Jan/Feb 2009 timeframe.

Your comments are greatly appreciated. Click below.

Comments1. Re: I-55/Gluckstadt Road Interchange Improvements

- Marvin October 14, 2008

D.I., under the circumstances I recommend closing the overpass in order to save bothtime and money. A fast track towards rebuilding this interchange is prudent and possiblylife saving. This project, together with the widening of Gluckstadt Rd., will greatlyenhance this area of Madison County! Thank you!

2. Re: I-55/Gluckstadt Road Interchange Improvements

- STEVE October 17, 2008

DI,

I continue to be so proud of all you do for the citizens of Madison County. Don’t ever letup. You are an incredible person in all you do for the people that you represent.

Even though knowing you I am truly continually amassed at your courage in all yourefforts. It is so refreshing to see a people’s representative do what you do. Thank you somuch

for all you are.

May God continue to Bless you DI!

Steve

49

Make Madison County Roads Safer...


Wednesday, November 05, 2008I get tons of complaints about speeding on County roads and neighborhood streets.However, Sheriff Toby Trobridge and his deputies have to fight the battle to keep us safewithout the use of radar. We are a highly urbanized county with neighborhoods that areexactly like those in the cities where the police have the tools to keep the citizens safe.Help prevent future potential "thrill hill" accidents... If you would like to involve yourneighborhood in a campaign to obtain this capability for our Sheriff's Department, I'vecreated a document with contact info and maps so you know who your StateRepresentative and Senator are. It is complex since we have 8 members of the StateLegislature and 4 members of the Senate representing the interest of Madison Countycitizens at the State Capitol. Sadly, few know who our State Representatives andSenators are. Take a moment and let them know that you are interested in what they aredoing to help make you and your family safer by providing radar to our local sheriff.

Representative Mark Baker (R) Dist 74

Comments1. Re: Make Madison County Roads Safer...

- Anonymous November 05, 2008

Mississippi Senate OKs expanded use of speed radar03/10/2008 - 9:02:42 am

An effort to expand the use of radar by sheriff’s deputies in Mississippi is halfwaythrough the statehouse.

State law now restricts the use of speed radar detection equipment to the MississippiHighway Patrol, city police departments and the Lowndes County sheriff’s department.Cities with populations of fewer than 2,000 are prohibited from using radar on theirpublic streets at all and cities with populations of more than 15,000 can use radar onlyon federal highways within their boundaries.

Efforts to expand radar use in the state historically have struggled as opponents say theenforcement tool could be used to set up speed traps and rake in revenue from tickets.Supporters say the use of radar would help curb speeding and save lives in placeswhere the population is growing outside city limits.

Several more bills have been offered this year to make changes to speed radar rules.Most of the bills have failed to meet deadlines to advance, but the Senate voted 31-19 toapprove a bill that would give county sheriffs the green light to use radar detectiondevices. It now moves to the House.

Sponsored by Sen. David Baria, D-Bay St. Louis, the measure – SB2206 – would allowsheriffs in all counties to use radar on roads under the jurisdiction of the board ofsupervisors for maintenance and construction. Sheriffs could use the devices only onpublic streets, roads and highways of the county lying outside the limits of municipalities.

Another bill that is still active would expand speed radar use only enough to allow thesheriff in Rankin County access to the equipment. The measure – HB571 – is in theHouse Local and Private Legislation Committee.

50


Among the failed efforts to expand access to speed radar this year were bills that soughtto change the population thresholds for cities to use the detection devices. Otherproposals for radar use would have allowed sheriffs in specific counties to use radar.

Another bill would have authorized the Mississippi Department of Transportation to useradar on state highways to enforce speed limits solely on large trucks. It called forpermitting the agency’s law enforcement officers to track speeds of commercial vehicleswith a gross vehicle weight in excess of 10,000 pounds.

One other effort would have placed additional limits on some speed enforcement. Thebill – HB88 – sought to prohibit the use of radar on state or federal highways within 1,000feet of where the posted limit is reduced by 10 mph or more.

2. Re: Make Madison County Roads Safer...

- Anonymous November 05, 2008

WLOX-TV EditorialLet Sheriff's Departments Use Radar

Posted: March 12, 2008 06:00 PM

In recent weeks there have been a number of fatal auto accidents in rural HancockCounty. While it is hard to pinpoint an exact cause, speed probably was one of thecontributing factors.

In Mississippi sheriff departments are not allowed to use radar to control speed on ourrural roads. The only way a sheriff deputy can give a speeding ticket is to get rightbehind a vehicle and clock the speed of the driver.

For years sheriff departments across the state have asked the state legislature to allowthem to use radar, but they have been denied time after time. The reason given is thebelief that some departments will set up radar traps as a way to fatten their budgets. Butsince any money collected from fines would go into the general fund and not the sheriff'sbudget we don't think that argument is valid.

In South Mississippi, especially after Katrina, we have more and more residents movingnorth into rural areas. Roads that were once traveled by only a few people now havehundreds, if not thousands, traveling on them every day.

We think it is time for the state legislature to give the sheriff departments the additionaltool to make our roads safer here in South Mississippi as well as across our state. If wedon't, then we fear we will see even more loss of life on our rural roads.

That's our opinion, we would like to hear yours. Email your thoughts [email protected].

David VincentWLOX-TV Station Manager


- Tena November 05, 2008

It was indeed a pleasure to speak with you this morning about the problems of speedingcars and loud mufflers on Stribling Road.

I called the sheriffs office after I talked with you and he told me exactly the same thing

51


you did. He did say he would send someone out to monitor the situation, but if he can'twrite a ticket for a violation, why even go out there? I am very disturbed that alawbreaker cannot be issued a ticket or citation. It's like telling the public "Go ahead,drive as fast as you want and make all the noise you want, we do not care." It makesme think we are going backwards...anything goes. Where are the laws that protect usand make life more comfortable. As I write this, two cars just went past my house,racing, going at least 70 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone. I have lived here one monthand I'm about ready to pull up stakes.

If you have the addresses of the lawmakers that I should write, I will do that andanything else that you feel would help the cause.


- RickMills November 09, 2008

I support the use of radar by the Madison County sheriff's department in order to moreeffectively enforce motor vehicle speed laws. I also support the use of cameras atintersections in order to stop the indiscriminate running of red trafficl signals. In fact itwould appear that there are far more traffic violations and subsequent accidents atintersections than on open roads. However,until the traffic safety departments take amore aggressive stance on reckless and high speed drivers that occur during rush hourand high density traffic times the use of radar alone will probably not improve traffic andaccident safety significantly.Rick Mills, Madison


- JeffCarron January 02, 2009

It is ludicrous for a state government to keep local law enforcement from effectivelyenforcing the laws.

If folks are so worried about sheriffs making money off of speed traps, here's a solution:take away their financial incentive.

Let them have 5 or 10 bucks for overhead and put the rest of the fine into the statetrauma fund. Problem solved.

UPDATE: AGO says NO Galleria Parkway -Ashton Park Wall at taxpayer...Sunday, November 09, 2008Do you have a comment?

UPDATE Nov 4, 2008: Attorney General comes to the aid of Madison County Tax Payerssaying the County cannot build Ashton Park Wall.

April 11, 2008: COMPLETE POLLS ON RIGHT SIDE...CLICK ON COMMENTS below TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS.

I STRONGLY AGREE that the Ashton Park landscaped area/wall should be builtimmediately and paid for by the PID Board/developers. It is a travesty, and insult, to theresidents of Ashton Park that it hasn't already been constructed!

Before construction of Galleria Parkway was started the PID Board and developers were

52


supposed to have coordinated a plan for a landscaped 50' buffer area between theproposed parkway and Ashton Park. This area should have been developed as plannedand agreed to as the parkway construction began.

Instead, the developers sold some of the right-of-way to install a Nissan water line, andthe proceeds didn't go to the development of the promised landscaped area.

Now the taxpayers of Madison County are being fleeced with another un-programmedand un-budgeted, and possibly illegal/improper, expense that is estimated to run at least$400,000! Instead, this expense should be paid for by the Parkway Public Improvement(PID) Board.

This entire project should be carefully reviewed by the State Attorney General, the StateAuditor and the State Ethics Commission.

Click here to see more in depth discussion of recommendation and White Paper.

WMGO 1370AM CANTON, MS - Jerry Lousteau Morning News , Wednesday, April 16,2008

WMGO 1370 Canton, MS

Madison County Journal Editorial - Ashton Park Wall Excessive; April 17, 2008

Madison County Journal - Letter to the Editor - Use taxpayers' money wisely, readersays; April 17, 2008

Comments1. Re: UPDATE: AGO says NO Galleria Parkway - Ashton Park Wall at taxpayer expense


I agree that Madison County taxpayers should not be burdened with this issue. Whatscares me about this is the precedent that would be being set in regard to similarcircumstances in the future. Even if the position is taken that each instance "stands onits own" and would be addressed at that time is no answer. The issue is simple - thosethat made a commitment to create the barrier should be held accountable. Having notdone as originally intended with the buffer and having sold a part as an easement doesnot eliminate the commitment to deliver, it only limits the options. My overall concern isthat agreements of this nature have occurred in the past and are being made daily as wemove forward and must be managed by Madison County to ensure compliance. Whohas the responsibility of follow-up to ensure all parties to an agreement comply?Insuring compliance is key now and in the future. This is where I do take issue with theBoard of Supervisors.

2. Re: UPDATE: AGO says NO Galleria Parkway - Ashton Park Wall at taxpayer expense

- userNW April 18, 2008

You have stated clearly what should be convincing reasons why public funding of thisprivate obligation should not take place. My only addition to your well-stated argument isthat a fair amount of green buffer could still be achieved in the buffer area withoutdisrupting any water lines. Did the purchase by Nissan shift partial assumption ofresponsibility for creating a green buffer to them? The developers have abdicated theirresponsibilities to the community. I hope our public officials do not do the same.

53


Thank you for your efforts,


- Douglas April 19, 2008

Thank you for standing up for what is right. The developers (PID) should pay as theagreement calls for. The developers sold the right of way (50’ buffer) for the water line toNissan. They made enough money on the ROW to pay for the wall.


- Mary April 19, 2008

D. I.

As stated in the Extract of covenant on the property which runs with the property until2053:

EXHIBIT “B” Book 1535; page 495:As stated in the The Parkway East PublicImprovement District shall landscape and maintain a 50 foot “green space” bufferadjoining Ashton Park. The rear setback shall be 20 feet from the 50 foot buffer zone.No where does it mention a "$300,000 hardscape". Yes, every neighborhood inMadison County would love to have a $300,000 hardscape like that one just constructedon Highland Colony...but if this is approved and is constructed at the taxpayers expensethey better be ready because they are setting a precedent... and who will continue topay for this. I would consult with Forest Thigpen, President on Missisippi Center forPublic Policy and I will promise you that this will not meet the "Ten Prinicipes to GuidePublic Policy". Referring to Principle #5...of the handbook.."Government has nothing togive anyone except what it first takes from someone else". Also in the "TenPriniciples...U. S. Supreme Court, John Marshall is quoted ..Taxes (bond) in themselvesare not destructive; excessive taxation, however, breaks the entrepreneurial spirit,resulting in less economic activity and fewer jobs for the citizens". Every time you issuea bond it is like pulling out a credit card that will have to be paid off in a certain numberof years. Madison County will be up to their eyeballs in debt that the taxpayers are onthe hook for many years to come (our children and grandchildren will have to contendwith this. The developers need to pay for this barrier, period.


- Barbara April 19, 2008

I agree with you completely. The developers are completely responsible! I will makeothers aware. Notify Jim Prince, the Owner of the Madison County Journal, he will grabright on to the full meaning of this entire situation. His staff may be aware, but Jim really“gets” the underlying factors. Thanks,


- userJS April 19, 2008

Go get'm DI - thanks!


- Jim April 19, 2008

DI,

Outstanding decision. Madison County needs to enact legislature that will holdDevelopers feet to the fire when it involves following Covenants. Keep up the GREATwork.


- Jeff April 19, 2008

54


I totally agree. It's questionable whether this development was really necessary, and therest of us in the county should not have to pay for private development and the effectson 1 subdivision.



D. I.,

I applaud your efforts to expose the improper dealings in Madison County. Now, if youcould just get the citizens to become vocal maybe something will change. Keep up thegood work.



Have you requested an investigation by the Auditor or the AG?



How much $ did PID receive from the sale of the right of way? Where does that moneygo?What can be done now?


- guy April 19, 2008

DI

Has the county agreed to build the sound barrier? Isn't the subdivision located within theCity of Madison?

I agree the county should not be responsible for the cost. As a rule our localgovernments have let developers off load a significant infrastruture obligation.

In Texas the developers had an obligation to pay partial cost for surface roads, waterand sewer for new developments.

The surface road issue is particulary acute in Madison County. Look a Hoy, Gluckstadt.Sowell or any number of other roads where development has exceeded road capacity.County advolorem taxes will never provide enough funds to upgrade these roads.


- David April 19, 2008

DI,

You may consider getting a memo from Eric Hamer stating that the action is legal. If herefuses, then you know he feels that it is illegal. The AG and State Auditor will notinvestigate unless a formal complaint is filed with them. The auditors office doesinvestigate when complaints are filed, particularly by elected officials.

What a mess, and we have to pay for it. I appreciate your efforts.

55



- MadisonCountyHeraldArtic November 09, 2008

November 6, 2008

County can't fund Ashton Park's wall

By Lucy [email protected]

Madison County cannot build a wall at Ashton Park subdivision with county money thatofficials promised earlier.

An attorney general's opinion, requested by the Board of Supervisors, says that the wall,intended as a safety precaution and as a noise abatement device, cannot be built onprivate property and the county cannot pay for surveying and engineering fees for theproject.

"We find no authority for the county to construct the wall for the purposes stated in theboard's minutes," the attorney general's opinion states.

The wall was expected to cost $300,000 or more. It was included in the county's plan forroad work adopted in February.

County officials received the written opinion from Attorney General Jim Hood's office lastweek. At Monday's Board of Supervisors meeting, the letter was mentioned but notdiscussed.

"We acknowledge the attorney general says 'You can't build no wall,'" District 4Supervisor Karl Banks said.

District 1 Supervisor John Bell Crosby, a supporter of building the wall, said he wasn'tsure what happens now. "I venture to say there's not much we can do about it," he said.

In its request to Hood's office, county officials said the plan was to obtain title to theprivate property, likely by donation from the landowner, and then spend county funds tobuild the wall. The attorney general's opinion says that the county can't accept adonation if the result is spending public money for the primary purpose of improvingprivate property.

District 3 Supervisor D.I. Smith opposed the board's decision to spend county money onthe wall. In April, he wrote a "white paper" setting out reasons why the county should notpay for the wall.

In other county news, supervisors agreed that the doors on the historic Madison CountyCourthouse will get a facelift in time for the holidays.

Madge Noble, whose husband Billy was the county sheriff and at one time had an officein the courthouse, asked the supervisors Monday to refinish at least the four doors onthe two levels of the building. Noble puts the Christmas wreaths on the courthouse doorseach year.

"Those four doors on the south side of the building look terrible," she said. Supervisorsagreed to sand the peeling finish currently on the doors and put a new coat on them.

"Mrs. Noble's right. We need to take care of it before the holidays," county administrator

56


Donnie Caughman said.

The supervisors also agreed to install two speed tables and look into placing eight stopsigns in the Hartfield neighborhood at the request of the homeowners' association.

Drivers speed carelessly within the neighborhood, Dennis Recker, association president,said in a letter to the board. "This issues causes a serious safety for the children andwalkers of Hartfield," he said.

Before the county can install stop signs, the county engineer, sheriff and countyadministrator have to sign off on the need.

"I'll sign off on it today," engineer Rudy Warnock said.

In other county news, emergency responders on Saturday will act as if a tornado has hitthe Nissan manufacturing plant.

The drill intends to test the preparedness of Canton, Ridgeland, Madison and Gluckstadtfirefighters should a disaster hit the plant. Starting at 9 a.m., emergency response teamswill come to the plant to handle the type of problems that can crop up with a disaster,emergency operations director Butch Hammack said.

"This will be a significant event," Hammack said. "We're using resources we know wouldrespond to Nissan."

Nissan requested the drill and is providing access, both inside and outside the plant, toemergency responders.

Hammack said a variety of different scenarios, each raising a specific problem to besolved, will be lying in wait for the fire departments: There will be fires outside toextinguish; people will be trapped and injured in the building; vehicles, which that haveflaws that keep them from being sold, will be overturned in the parking lot so firefighterscan cut them open to "rescue" those trapped inside; and firefighters will also rescuesomeone trapped on the roof of the building.

"This gives up a good report card on where we are and where we need to be," he said.

Area students have volunteered to act as victims. The morning drill will not affect trafficon Nissan Drive, Hammack said.


- DISmith January 04, 2009

I'm as frustrated as anyone that the "wall" or landscaped area hasn't been completed aspromised in the PID agreements. It is truly a travesty that the PID hasn't been requiredto perform as they promised.

I hope the Ashton Park Property Owners will stay engaged and formally petition viawritten board of directors resolution that the City of Madison issue no building permits,nor accept Galleria Parkway as a public street until the promises are delivered on! TheBoard of Supervisors voted against Doug Jones over the last 3 years when he tried toapply leverage to get the wall built!

No one has answered the question "what happened to the money from the sale of theNissan water line easement through the buffer zone area?" These funds should havebeen used for the wall/landscaped area.

57


In the Spring of 2008 I voted against Madison County funding the wall with "road andbridge" funds which is obviously illegal and funds expended would have to be repaid bysupervisors who voted for the motion. I was the only one who voted against this illegaluse of taxpayer money. I certainly didn't want to personally pay for the "wall."

The State Attorney General has now issued an opinion stating that it would be illegal topay County taxpayer funds under any circumstances for this wall on private property andalong a private road where written agreements/promises were been made by the PID inorder to obtain approval for the road.

I will work with the Ashton Park Property Owners, Mayor Hawkins-Butler and the City ofMadison to encourage/force the PID to deliver as promised.



If you truly believe a wall should be built, then why did the county supervisors andcounty engineer agree to pass the inspections on the parkway and allow the road toopened without requiring the developers to construct the wall?

That was your opportunity to put pressure on the devlopers.

Why was the wall not included as part of the parkway road project?

The opportunity to put pressure on the developers to build the wall was lost during theinspection phase.

The residents of Ashton park have been lied to long enough.

The wall was promised to the residents of Ashton Park. There should not be anygrading or building permits issued along the parkway without the completion of the wall.


- userJD January 05, 2009

I believe the Ashton Park Homeowners will become very active in this process anddemand accountability. In order to gain approval for the Parkway in the first place, theAPHOA agreed to not litigate or fight the road based on clearly defined commitments(buffer zone and wall) by the Developer, the City of Madison AND our CountySupervisor. As typical with Madison County politics, the buck has been passed andclaims of no responsibility replace known commitments. You, the current Board ofSupervisors and the officials with the City of Madison know full well the promises andcommitments made to the residents of Ashton Park. The recent decision to fund the wallis a clear example of this well known commitment. Shame on all leaders involved in howthis is being handled and a willingness to make this become a legal battle. It's notsurprising we have ended up here... it’s another method of passing the buck to someoneelse. I am convinced this broken promise will not go away and it will continue to be asource of bitterness until resolved.

Madison County Citizens Service AgencyThursday, December 18, 2008Madison County Citizens Service Agency Dr. Mary Sims Johnson Office No.601-855-5728 [email protected] W. Center St. on the square in Canton

58


PROGRAMS

January 28, 2010Johnson spreads word on agency

By Lucy [email protected] Madison County Citizens Services Agency could be one of the best kept secretsaround, but executive director Mary Sims Johnson wants to change that."We're here to serve, and we want the citizens to know it," Johnson said. "There are anumber of residents who could benefit from our services but they don't know we're here.Everybody in Madison County has an opportunity to receive our services."The three-year-old agency, the social service arm of the Board of Supervisors and whichhas the goal of eradicating poverty in Madison County, assists local residents living belowthe poverty line with programs for energy assistance, transportation, meals, informationand referral, outreach and an ombudsman to assist the elderly in long-term care. Theagency, located at 140 W. Center St. on the square in Canton, receives federal and stategrants, in addition to local matching funds."This is a Madison County agency. We want to meet the needs of those across thecounty," said Timmy Pickett, chairman of the agency's board of directors.Johnson, who has been on the job since last March, said the number of clients continuesto grow but she wants to make sure that everyone who could benefit from the agency'sservices will benefit."It's very rewarding work. You know you're making a difference in the community," shesaid.in December, the agency helped 434 clients with its Low Income Energy AssistanceProgram, an increase of 59 percent compared to last year. For those whose income is150 percent below the national poverty level, the program makes sure their utilities arenot shut off."Our goal is to provide wraparound services, a system of care. We're the first point ofreferral. If we don't provide the service, we will link them to the agency that can help,"Johnson said. "The need is great, and that's why we're here."The Citizens Services Agency is planning an outreach program through local churches inFebruary. Johnson said the agency will mail out about 200 to 400 letters to churches inthe county to spread the word about the services offered and the help available to thedisadvantaged, elderly and handicapped."We just want people to be served," she said.Pickett said the agency staff does a good job in linking those in need with the servicesthat can help them. Madison County residents need to aware of the agency and theservices that are available to help, he said."Helping people less fortunate, that's what the agency is about," Pickett said.Johnson, who came to the agency with 26 years experience with Catholic Charities, saidthe staff members do "a superb job in really serving the clients."The agency runs congregate meals programs, funded by the Central Mississippi Planningand Development District, in Canton and Camden on weekdays. Besides a hot meal, theprogram for the elderly also provides social enrichment. There are 24 slots for the mealsprogram in Camden and 26 in Canton with a waiting list for both, Johnson said.The agency runs two public transportation services, which average about 15-20 ridersper day. Anyone can utilize one of the services that runs from Canton to Jackson everyweek day, and the other is only for the elderly to take them to the doctor, store or other

59


places they need to go."These support our mission to eradicate poverty" since the public bus system is used bymany riders to get to jobs in Jackson, Johnson said. "We want to continue to build out ourtransportation."Through its outreach program, the agency goes to the homes of residents who arephysically challenged to evaluate their needs and then through the information andreferral program the agency links them to what organizations can meet those needs,Johnson said.The ombudsman program provides advocacy for those Madison County residents inlong-term care who can't advocate for themselves, Johnson said."It's hard for our clients to say 'I need help.' We let them know they're important to us andwe empower them in any way we can," she said.------------------12/18/2008 5:04:00 AMAgency directors resign after change

By STEVEN G. WATSONAssociate Editor

Four members of the Madison County Citizens Service Agency's board of directors haveresigned amid questions about a recent change in the board's makeup.

The agency provides goods and services to underprivileged residents in Madison County.

Click here for entire article.

Click here for Clarion Ledger article and to leave comments:Madison Co. supervisor, agency head clash at meeting

Background paper with detailed information.

Discuss How to Change Madison County... Makea Difference!Saturday, January 10, 2009Share your ideas to help make Madison County a greater place to live and work!!!

Your opinion is very important.Publish your comments on this site so that everyone—people, politicians, and the newsmedia—can see what you think.Click here to leave comments and suggestions -- take time to help MAKE ADIFFERENCE!

Comments1. Re: Discuss How to Change Madison County... Make a Difference!

- userDI January 10, 2009

What are your suggestions to improve Madison County?

2. Re: Discuss How to Change Madison County... Make a Difference!

60


- ScottStanford January 29, 2009

DI - Thank you for all that you do for our community. We appreciate your time andcommittment. The Stanford Family (Indian Gate)


- Debbie February 11, 2009

D.I.you dont know me, but I live in Lake Caroline and sent you an email during the hearing. Ijust wanted to thank you for your vote for us. It seems you were the only one not scared!



FIX DEWEES RD!!!!!!!!!!!!IF you would ride down it you would see how bad the dust is. A Resident has even putup a sign saying "SLOW DOWN DUST KILLING KIDS". Guess the next stop is the TVStations. Maybe then someone will be accountable in Madison CO.

State Senator and Representative Contact Infoand District MapsWednesday, February 04, 2009Madison County has 8 State Representatives and 4 State Senators. Please take the timeto know who your State Legislators are and provide them input regarding your concernsand issues! Be informed; be involved!

Click here to download bios and district maps for the Madison County State Legislators.

Representative Mark Baker (R) Dist 74

Madison County Flood Zone Map RevisionsUnderwaySaturday, February 14, 2009Press Release Contact: D.I. Smith Phone: (601) 707-8845 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE5 P.M. CDT, February 18, 2009MADISON COUNTY FLOOD ZONE MAP REVISIONS UNDERWAYRIDGELAND, MS, FEBRUARY 18, 2009: The Madison County Flood Risk Maps havebeen revised and the drafts are in the appeal stage. A "Flood Map Open House" PublicMeeting was held November 6, 2008, Board Room, County Administrative OfficeComplex, Canton, so all residents could learn about the process and review the draftdigital flood maps and aerial photos of their property to determine how it would be ratedbased on the newly revised draft flood maps.

If your home is now mapped as being within a high risk flood zone (A or AE zone),http://tinyurl.com/madflood, and it was not previously, you should purchase floodinsurance prior to the map becoming effective. This will enable you to lock in a betterpremium rate. If you wait until the map is effective, your rate will be much higher.Questions concerning the maps should be directed to the County or City Floodplain

61

http://tinyurl.com/madflood


Administrator, who is charged with collecting any protest or appeal actions.http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/fq_main.shtm

The official 90-day appeal phase started January 22, 2009, and is on-going until April 22,2009. Based on their situation, property owners can appeal by providing elevationcertificates, and other info detailing why their rating should be changed, or why theyshouldn't be considered to live in a flood zone! Additional detailed info is located on-lineat http://tinyurl.com/mapappeal

Homeowners can also now purchase Flood Insurance at a reduced premium and be“ g r a n d f a t h e r e d . ” A g r e a t r e s o u r c e f o r h o m e o w n e r s i sh t t p : / / w w w . f e m a . g o v / p l a n / p r e v e n t / f h m / h m _ m a i n . s h t m

County Supervisors have maps of subdivisions in their districts that potentially will beaffected by the revised flood maps. The Madison County Flood Plain contact forunincorporated areas is Brad Sellers, 601.855.5501. Also, each municipality has a floodplain contact person.

Click here for the entire Press Release

Garbage Pickup Changes MulledThursday, February 19, 2009HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MADISON COUNTY TRASH PICKUP? Scroll down andcomplete poll in right column. ALSO, PROVIDE YOUR COMMENTS BY CLICKING"Comments" below.---------------------------February 19, 2009

Supervisors tackle trash pick-up issue

By Lucy [email protected]

Madison County officials are starting to consider how garbage will be picked up startingOct. 1.

The Board of Supervisors is looking at staying with current contractor Red River,switching providers or putting the county back in the trash business.

"We're in the process of deciding," board president Paul Griffin said at the supervisors'meeting Tuesday.

"I'd like to save money, but my deal on garbage is service," Griffin said. "We're missingsome service when it's privatized. Who can serve best? Those out to make money orthose to serve the people? Madison County employees are out to serve the people."

The county's four-year contract with Red River expires Sept. 30. Two weeks ago,supervisors voted to give the company six-months notice they planned to terminate thecontract for once-a-week garbage pickup. However, the county can still renew the two-year option on Red River's contract.

62

http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/fq_main.shtm

http://tinyurl.com/mapappeal

http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/hm_main.shtm


"They haven't ruled anything in or out," board attorney Eric Hamer said.

District 1 Supervisor John Bell Crosby asked the board to consider all options for garbagedisposal by seeking information from companies that could be interested in the job andinput from the county's road department on how it would handle the trash pickup.

"I realize that doing it ourselves is an option but we need to look at all our options,"Crosby said.

Crosby's motion failed. District 3 Supervisor D.I. Smith voted with Crosby while Griffin,Tim Johnson of District 2 and Karl Banks of District 4 voted against seeking requests forproposals (RFPs).

"At some point we can decide. We don't want to lock ourself into RFPs," Johnson said.

The county sold its aging garbage trucks when it turned over garbage pickup to RedRiver. Getting new trucks will take several months so the process would need to start byearly April if that's the direction the county chooses, purchasing clerk Hardy Crunk toldthe board.

Chip Barton of Red River and Buford Clark of Waste Management asked the supervisorsto consider their services.

"We'd like to talk about renewing for two more years," Barton said.

"We want to be one of your options," Clark said. "We think we can save you somemoney."

County administrator Donnie Caughman said initial estimates are that it would cost thecounty $1.8 million to resume garbage collection services while the cost to say with RedRiver is $2 million annually.

If the county does not contract with an outside company for pickup, then the county has achoice for doing the job in-house.

The supervisors agreed to hire an outside consultant to conduct a feasibility study ofcreating a Madison County solid waste collection authority.

"This lets the county operate solid waste collection like a business," consultant JimMcNaughton said. "It's more professional."

The authority would be a separate entity under county government and allows for moreaccountability in garbage pickup, McNaughton said. "I would encourage you to do this onan enterprise basis," he said. "If the county wants to get into the garbage collectionbusiness, now is an opportune time."

The county could establish an authority and then invite other cities or counties to join inthe enterprise and share the cost or pick up trash in other locales under contracts. Theadvantages of an authority are to control the level of service and to control long-termcosts, McNaughton said.

63


The feasibility study will determine what the county's cost will be to begin the servicecompared to private companies, he said. "We can put the numbers to it to see if it makessense."

The county will pay McNaughton $150 per hour for the feasibility study that is expected tobe completed in 40-60 hours.

Johnson said he's leery of establishing a Madison County authority. Instead, he said hewould rather see the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District set up theauthority and allow Madison County to participate through it.

Comments1. Re: Garbage Pickup Changes Mulled

- Anonymous February 22, 2009

We would like to see curbside recycling at 642 Mannsdale Rd, right outside MadisonCity Limits.Sincerely,Montessori Children's House at Chapel of the Cross

2. Re: Garbage Pickup Changes Mulled


Whatever the county can do to save money IF they utilize that money to repair ourroads!!! Our roads are in terrible condition but we continue to pay higher taxes andsupposedly have more income from businesses coming in. Where is the moneygoing????? I think Reunion Parkway is an unnecessary spending of our money at thistime when we have roads we drive on everyday that are in dire need for repairs!


- Dennis March 13, 2009

Once again I would like to express my outrage on the County wanting to purchase newgarbage trucks; hiring people (which includes providing retirement and health benefits);without considering the options open to us as taxpayers. In my opinion, there is no waythe County can provide the same benefits as an outside contractor at a competitive pricewithout taxing us further.



A Red River truck passed me the other day and I noticed it had a Texas license plate. Ifthe truck is domiciled in Madison County, the company should pay the proper taxes onthis vehicle to Madison County.

NACo Press Release: D.I. Smith: Nation’scounties committed to work...Thursday, March 12, 2009D.I. SMITH, Madison County Supervisor, District 3, recently returned from the nation’scapital with a new sense of optimism about Restoring the Partnership between countiesand the federal government, but remained concerned about the tough economic timesand difficult decisions that await county officials in the months ahead.

64


Supervisor D.I. Smith participated in the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2009Legislative Conference, March 7-11, in Washington, D.C., which featured remarks fromfour U.S. cabinet secretaries. One of the main objectives of the Legislative Conference isto bring county and federal government officials together to discuss key priorities andspecific legislation, regulations and funding levels affecting local government servicesand programs.

Click here for entire press release.

Madison County Flood Map RevisionMonday, March 16, 2009Madison County, MS 03/16/09Flood risk maps appeal deadline

Posted: March 16, 2009 05:22 PM

Updated: March 16, 2009 07:53 PM

Flood risk maps appeal deadline <SCRIPT LANGUAGE='JavaScript1.1'>if(document. layers) {document.write( '<SCR' + ' IPT language=JavaScript1.1SRC=/Global/ad.asp?type=single&cls1=News&src1=loc&spct1=100&sz1=wnsz_20&callType=script />'); document.close();}</SCRIPT>

By David Kenney - bio | email

MADISON COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - Some Madison county homeowners could face bigbills protecting their homes from floods in the future.

New flood risk maps for the county are placing homes in a flood area, when they neverwere before.

Residents in those areas could be forced to buy flood insurance by F.E.M.A..

Harvey Crossing Homeowners Association President Frank Halford is racing against theclock to get his subdivision exempt from the recently flood risk maps.

A large portion of the neighborhood is for the first time listed in a flood area, which wouldmean mandatory flood insurance for residents.

"They could find themselves all of a sudden be paying $100.00 a month extra for floodinsurance they probably don't need," says Halford.

Halford is working with Harvey Crossing developers to provide F.E.M.A. with informationproving all the homes sit above the flood plain.

He and other residents have until April 22nd to appeal the new flood maps.

65


Across the county residents are being urged to challenge their flood risk.

If they don't or can't they'll have to pay flood insurance, which they can save a great dealon if they get it before the April deadline.

"On a $200,000.00 house with $80,000.00 in coverage it could be around $326.00 a yearif they get it today before the maps go into effect if they have it then they're grandfatheredwhen the maps go into effect and they will be able to get it at about half of the $2,000.00,"says District 3 Supervisor D.I. Smith.

Homebuyers are also being urged to inquire about the new flood risk.

The added flood insurance could drastically increase house payments depending onwhere people live.

One good thing about the new maps.

Some residents have been removed from flood areas, which will mean a savings forthem.

"Based on what I've been told by the engineers, we should be able to overcome this."

Madison county residents are being urged to contact their city flood plain manager, or thecounty planning and zoning department, to find out if their home will be affected.

Mannsdale - Livingston Heritage PreservationDistrictSaturday, April 18, 2009Mannsdale - Livingston Heritage Preservation District: During the April 6 BOS meeting, itwas voted to have a Public Hearing, May 18, to discuss the Mannsdale - LivingstonHeritage Preservation District and possibly consider abolishing it. Click here to seeMadison County Journal article "Johnson Questions Mannsdale District." The Mannsdale- Livingston Preservation District is on the Mississippi Heritage Foundation's List of 10Most Endangered Historic Places

UPDATE -- The Madison County Board of Supervisors did not make changes to theMannsdale - Livingston Heritage Preservation District. Thanks to all!!!

Comments1. Re: Mannsdale - Livingston Heritage Preservation District

- Bob April 26, 2009

To the EditorClarion LedgerJackson, MS

Madison District Two Supervisor Tim Johnson is questioning the need of the AdvisoryBoard charged with overseeing the historical integrity of the corridor along Mississippi463.

66


This area is one of the most unique and beautiful places still remaining in centralMississippi.

He implies that he doesn’t think history serves a valuable purpose in need ofpreservation. He uses as a basis for his reasoning that he has received “severalcomplaints” from those “dealing with development or building” in the preservationdistrict's boundaries.

In other words, he is putting Madison County up for sale to the highest bidder.

It would seem from this statement that he intends to continue to put the concerns ofdevelopers over the needs of the people who voted for him as he has in the past. Usinghis reasoning we could justify building a subdivision on the grounds of the State Capitol.Why not tear down the Chapel of the Cross and put in a QuickStop? Let's pave over Mr.and Mrs. Johnstone's grave and make a parking lot.

Mr. Johnson would have us forget where we came from, a mistake that has been provenfoolish time and time again.

Those developers who seem to have won over Mr. Johnson’s heart and soul have butone motive, and after they have destroyed our heritage and collected their profits willmove on to practice their destruction elsewhere, leaving Mr. Johnson and us withnothing but concrete and asphalt.

I can understand his disturbing position on historical matters by noticing that he is theonly Supervisor who refuses to share his email address with his constituents. Go to theMadison County Web Site and try to find a way to communicate with him. He obviouslywants no feedback or comment from us unwashed common folk. Considering his pastperformance, I can understand why.

As has been his practice since his election, he remains a disappointment to theresidents of District Two.

Bob PollardDistrict Two Property Owner14 Foxcroft CourtMadison, MS

2. Re: Mannsdale - Livingston Heritage Preservation District

- JanRichardson April 27, 2009

Mr. Pollard's letter is right on the money. As I understand it, this district is not even inTim Johnson's "zone", making the whole proposal even more questionable.


- JeffCarron April 27, 2009

Well stated.


- Cherry May 11, 2009

Please, do not vote to abolish the Overlay district out here on highway 463. I am in RealEstate and this active body has helped to create value for the County. All the residentson Highway 22 are against the Board of Supervisors abolishing this District. TheOverlay board has done a great job in protecting our investments in Real Estate. If youdrive down Highway 463 going toward Highway 22, note that on the left side of the road

67


was before the Overlay district and the right side of the road was after the Overlaydistrict. This example alone shows that there is a correct way and an incorrect way fordevelopment. I am a developer and Builder. They do us a great service.


- Anonymous May 13, 2009

Stan says........HUH! Who do I trust most to manage the Heritage Preservation District;the BOS or the Advisory Board? I take the advisory board. I have seen the BOS inaction and there is nothing I can think of that I feel they are competent to manage. Iwould match some of their actions to the Jackson City Council. My prediction is theDistrict will be dissolved by a 3-2 vote: Johnson, Banks, Griffin for dissolution and Smithand Crosby against unless they delay action by tabling or not bring a motion.


- JohnRobinson May 14, 2009

I am greatly disturbed by the fact that someone (especially a member of the MadisonCounty Board of Supervisors) could, with a straight face, say he has questions about the"purpose" and "usefulness" of the MLHP District. A quick read of the enactingdocuments adopted by the Board of Supervisors when it created the district answersthese questions clearly and in great detail. Indeed, the first sentence in the first sectionof the MHLP enacting document, Section 1600, states the purpose of the District is to"preserve the integrity" of the Mannsdale-Livingston area. Section 1600 explains indetail the reasons why the Board of Supervisors created and sought to protect theDistict. In Section 1600, it states the "Board of Supervisors of Madison County . . .recognizes that the Mannsdale-Livingston area is known for its extensive andconcentrated historical buildings," dating from the 1840's thru the 1890's, as well asbeing the site of numerous, significant historical events in Mississippi history. I'm notgoing to quote the 8 enumerated "goals" of the District, as described by the Board andset out in great detail in Section 1600, but, to the extent the preamble of the enactingdocument doesn't answer one's questions regarding the purpose and "usefulness" of theDistrict, just read the 8 enumerated goals. They reflect the many reasons whypreserving and protecting the area is so important. Recent events, including Mr.Johnson's vague "questions" about the need for the MHLP and the Commission, in andof itself demonstrates why their continued existence and work are now more importantthan ever.

I can't say with certainty what Mr. Johnson's agenda is (in part because he has refusedto explain himself), but I believe the motives Mr. Pollard describes are most likely a bigpart of the driving forces here. In addition, I believe MDOT, flush with ARRA stimulusfunds, or soon to be, also could be working behind the scenes and has injected itself intolocal county politics (something, in my opinion, it should never do). I'm sure the MDOTfolks are shaking the bushes for "shovel ready" projects for fear of losing its allotedshare of stimulus funds. Extending the widening of 463 to Highway 22 seems as if itcould easily be deemed "shovel ready," especially since they've not even finished theexisting 463 widening project in Madison (the City). But for the MHLP, maybe MDOTwould have reached be at the corner of 463 and Gluckstadt by now. Just some thoughtsprompted by MDOT Commissioner Dick Hall. I have a few other things to say inresponse to Hall's comments regarding these matters, but doubt further comment aboutMDOT, Hall and their stake in all of this would be productive. In fact, likely would beoffensive to some.

With regard to complaints of developers, I interpret this as direct evidence of the fact theMHLP Commission is doing exactly what it was created to do, is protecting the integrityof the MHLP District and is otherwise serving the purposes for which it was created.

68


As far as tje desire to turn 463 between Reunion and Highway 22 into somethingresembling 463 between I-55 and the Reunion Parkway is concerned, some of myquestions are: what's the incentive? Where's the demand? What's the need? Givenour current economic climate, anyone, including Mr. Johnson and his developer friends,should realize making way for further commerical development along the 463 corridor: a.is unecessary, and; b. is financially unsound. The current state of the local real estatemarket (including the significant depreciation in home values) clearly shows there is nodemand (or, in many residents' opinions, desire) for further development, much less theabolishment of the District, or restricting local residents' ability to excercise some controlover future development through the MHLP Commission (the authority created to protectthe integrity of the MHLP District). More speculation and financial risk involving MadisonCounty real estate? Haven't our developer friends learned anything from the recent (andon-going) collapse in the real estate market. Entire subdivisions in many parts of thecountry are being demolished and plowed over with the hope they'll someday return totheir "natural" state. Once Pandora is out of the box, there's no getting her back in.

As an example of the lack of need/demand, look at Mr. Primos' "Town of Mannsdale" atthe corner of 463 and Gluckstadt. I have driven by this site everyday for the past fiveyears and, besides land clearing and installation of minimal, basic infrastructure, theproject seems to be at a standstill. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with Mr.Primos' plans (as approved by the MLHP Commission), but the fact, after 5 years, not asingle brick has been laid, seems to be a fairly good indicator that there is no pressingneed to loosen development restrictions or, heaven forbid, do away with theCommission, or abolish the existing restricions completely, to encourage or facilitatemore development. Why, when current commercial development opportunities are at astandstill, would the BOS go to such great efforts to encourage more commericialdevelopment in the area?

Most important, consider the cost should the District be sold out for some perceivedshort term gain: the loss of what the BOS itself has described as an area "rich in beautyand historical significance" with "cultural, social, economic, political, archaeological andarchitectural identity" in need of protection, enhancement and care. If short terminterests prevail and the District's protections are in any way diluted, this special area issure to suffer and any damage which may result can never be "fixed."

Two final comments (for now): 1. why are Mr. Johnson and the Board spending timeand taxpayer money on this issue when there are so many more important and criticalissues that desparately need to be addressed. Why not focus on improving countyroads, for example? 2. is it not ironic that the very body that recognized the specialcharacter and historic value of the area and created the MLHP District and Commissionfor the express purpose of protecting it now appears to be its biggest threat? In thesedifficult economic times, haven't people come to realize there are things far moreimportant and valuable than profits or a tax base?

We have something very special in Madison County. To all of our Supervisors: pleasedon't destroy it. If not for us, save it for our children.

Remember Old Agency,

John Robinson131 Lake Mannsdale DriveMadison County, Mississippi


- Anonymous May 20, 2009

Hello all

69


Did we actually witness that ludicrous public hearing Monday?

1. Some charges, we don't know what, were brought by somebody, we don't know who,against a volunteer group who serve without pay, whose task appears to be hazy evento the Board of Supervisors.

2. The people who supposedly complained to Mr. Johnson were not present and notnamed. They allegedly offered as a reason for their absence that they were "afraid".This would possibly indicate that they are aware that what they are proposing might notbe correct or proper.

3. These apparitions never complained to the Supervisor in whose district the area lies,but instead obviously went seeking and found a more sympathetic ear, whose motiveremains unclear.

4. We have no idea and were not told what these ghostly people were proposing todevelop, build, construct, think about or dream about doing in this historic area.

Tell me what I'm missing.

Supervisor calls for comprehensive PerformanceAudit of County Engi...Monday, June 22, 2009Press Release Contact: D.I. Smith Phone: (601) 707-8845 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE10 A.M. DST, June 22, 2009 Supervisor calls for comprehensive Performance audit ofMadison County procedures and oversight for Engineer Contracting, planning,operations, and billing CANTON, MS, June 22, 2009: Recent news articles regardingpayments of $9.5M to the Madison County Engineer, Rudy Warnock, and his company,Warnock and Associates, have created an outrage among taxpayers; especially comingon the heels of the recent largest tax increase in Madison County history. The Citizensare rightly asking for answers as to who is in control and are all guidelines, proceduresand statutes being followed? The Madison County taxpayers deserve nothing less than afull accounting. The June 11, 2009, Madison County Journal article “Warnock paid $9.5million since 2005”; and the June 18, 2009, EDITORIAL – “Review engineering fees”raise questions to as to subcontracting, change orders, re-design requests, and oversightand review of the County Engineer work and billing. And, have citizens asking “What arethe “checks and balances” and are procedures and laws being followed? Are we beingfleeced?” We owe it to Madison County taxpayers to have a full and comprehensiveindependent performance and operational audit conducted by the Mississippi StateAuditor’s Office, assisted by the American Council of Engineer Companies (ACEC) . Thisevaluation of all functional areas of the County Engineer operations procedures, sub-contracting, planning, and billing will determine the strengths and weaknesses of thebusiness processes and provide direction to improve County response to taxpayerneeds. I strongly believe a full and comprehensive Performance and Operations Audit willprovide the County with a solid foundation to make any necessary changes in the way wedo business. Too often, important decisions are based on political whim, private agendaor ‘what looks good at the time’ without a long term strategy, comprehensive analysis andcomparison of alternative options; and may not provide positive, cost effective orprogressive results. Outside agencies with the solid reputation of the State Auditor’s

70


Office provides a vast array of capabilities, experience and knowledge in these fields andwill serve to capitalize on the existing strengths of Madison County. The Performanceand Procedural Audit should consist of a review of the following, but not limited to: a. Allaspects of the County Engineer operations, including sub-contractor pass throughprocedures, plans, change orders, review and oversight, and billing. b. Review Board ofSupervisor’s Budget Process and Compliance to Relevant Laws – review of strategic longrange planning systems and implementation, review of Board minutes, financial activityand audits, accounting procedures, and receipt and filing of completed projects andassociated documentation. c. Workflow Analysis/Systems Review of related MajorDepartments – review of implementation of policies and procedures, review ofpurchasing, accounts payable, and receiving procedures, review of paperwork flow, etc.d. Review and provide recommendations to improve project and program analysis andperformance tracking resulting in open, accountable, transparent, and responsiblegovernment. Additionally, much has been said about sub-contracting. I ask the Board ofSupervisors to ask the County Engineer for the original copies of sub-contractor invoicesfor the environmental clearance work mentioned in the paper for Calhoun Station PhasesII and III that was billed to the County for more than $325,000. It has been alleged thatthis work was actually done for less than $30,000. The taxpayers need the facts! Thegoal is to review and evaluate the current level of service practices; determine what ifanything has been done improperly; determine what improvements and efficiencies canbe achieved though application of best business practices; and to reassure residents ofMadison County that proper procedures are being followed and their money is wiselyspent, especially during these troubling economic times.SEE WLBT TV3 News Clarion Ledger Panel to eye contractsMadison County engineer's work under scrutiny

Here is a link to the WAPT News article and video from the Tuesday, 10 PM, news....http://tinyurl.com/waptaudit

See the 3 related articles at the Madison County Journalhttp://www.onlinemadison.com/

MCJ Editorial http://preview.tinyurl.com/ntk3ha

See the Madison County Herald article and comment at http://tinyurl.com/n52j8d

See the Madison County Journal -- Auditor: No investigation into fees athttp://t inyurl.com/nk6ndp

Comments from BLOG, FaceBook and Emails regarding Madison County Engineer Payand Call for Procedural Audithttp://tinyurl.com/kmnynd

Comments1. Re: Supervisor calls for comprehensive Performance Audit of County Engineer Function

- JRichardson June 22, 2009

D.I.,

Thank you for taking the time to come up with a comprehensive strategy to address this

71

http://tinyurl.com/waptaudit

http://www.onlinemadison.com/

http://preview.tinyurl.com/ntk3ha

http://tinyurl.com/n52j8d

http://tinyurl.com/nk6ndp

http://tinyurl.com/kmnynd


situation. This seems to be a reasonable approach that should be acceptable to allparties. Many taxpayers will take great interest in this report.

2. Re: Supervisor calls for comprehensive Performance Audit of County Engineer Function

- Anonymous June 22, 2009

The performance audit, much like the county supervisors who voted no, is a "nobrainer." The potential savings from auditing the Calhoun Station project alone (about$300k) could pay for 100 comprehensive audits, to say nothing of the other $9.5 millionalready spent. Anyone who doesn't want to see this happen is likely on someone'spayroll...


- userJo June 22, 2009

I'm appalled by the vote of the Madison County Supervisors not to have the StateAuditor or Attorney General investigate the money paid to Rudy Warnock. I thoughtCounty Supervisors were to protect the citizens not fill someone's pocket with money.What do we need to do as citizens to get an investigation into this problem done by theState? What are the Supervisors who voted against it hiding from the citizens?

Thanks for your continued support of the citizens and John Bell also.



It is obvious that the "Good Ole Boy" politics are still alive in Madison County. How longwill the taxpayers of Madison County stand by and watch their hard earned tax dollarswasted? We need more Supervisors like you,Mr. Smith, that care about the citizens andnot about their personal agendas. Madison County will hopefully one day move ahead tobecome a "World Class" county to live in when we stop this way of doing business!



I realize that the duty of this internal audit falls on Chancery Clerk Arthur Johnston bystatute. I am not sure that the citizens of Madison County will be satified or comfortablewith an internal audit in this matter involving these surmounting engineering feescharged to our county. Johnston may review these contracts and fees and find nofindings. It could just be a matter that we can no longer afford this engineer which isreason to look elsewhere for better savings to the county. I would like to see what thecounty proposed in the fiscal budgets during the years in question.


- Amber June 26, 2009

Thank you for being a voice of reason here in Madison County. Your efforts areappreciated by the taxpayers, and I'm glad that you've again brought another fiscalconcern that has been bantered about for a while now to the attention of the public. I'mso glad that you're representing my area of the county. Keep up the good work!


- Kevin June 26, 2009

Keep raising questions on the Supe board. I'd rather you ask the tough questions and itbe nothing than never ask at all. Thanks!



I see Tim Johnson now says you are on a witch hunt, and that he is going to thoroughlylook at the Engineering fees and compare them to other contract fees for similar work.

72


He seems to want everyone to know that he is looking at fees, which are dependent onmany factors. Fees charged by large consulting firms reflect high in-house overheadcosts, whereas fees charged by small firms such as Warnock and Associates havemuch lower overhead. I have no doubt that Mr. Johnson can find similar projects thatare costed the same, however, to insure a direct comparison, the size of the firm(overhead) must be considered, as well as any subcontracting. Small firms likeWarnock and Associates typically subcontract out much of the work because they lackthe in-house expertise or labor force to get it done. Large firms can do a turn key jobwith minimal subcontracting, however, their costs are higher.To correctly compare fees, these factors must be taken into account.


- Melanie June 30, 2009

I would like to get on your e-mail list. I would like to say a very big thank you for yourefforts as county supervisor and you have my full support as a taxpayer of Madisoncounty. I was told months ago by a neighbor about the excessive payments RudyWarnock has been receiving from Madison county. It's past time that these issuesshould be dealt with by the board. I'm certain it easy to get discouraged at times, butthere alot of conversations going on regarding this issue and many people are behindyour efforts!

Please keep up the good work and realize there are many taxpayers very appreciative ofyour efforts exposing this issue.Thank you so much!



Wow! If Tim Johnson is serving the people and not Rudy, you could have fooled me.Everyone with a pulse knows Rudy Warnock is a sleazy individual. He and Johnson areespecially tight. The supervisors who support Rudy have no reason to unless they arebenefitting in some way. It's a circle of wealth at the taxpayers expense. We need morevoices to stop these guys from padding each others pockets. Just because "everybodydoes it" doesn't mean we should accept it. Rudy doesn't even pretend to have ethics ormorals. How can you expect a man to spend taxpayer money sensibly when he flauntshis money at the playboy mansion and hosts stripper parties. I'll bet the public officialsat these parties don't want to be mentioned. Shrug off the personal attacks made byJohnson. I'm sure the day will come when few will want to cozy up to Rudy and have hisback.


- Jimmy July 02, 2009

D I, thanks for having the guts and integrity to bring this issue to the forefront. There issomething definitely wrong with this picture! Keep up the good work!


- Kevin July 11, 2009

I SUPPORT ALL THAT YOU ARE DOING FOR MADISON COUNTY, KEEP UP THEGOOD WORK

73


Recycling and Solid-Waste/Garbage Collection inMadison CountyMonday, July 13, 2009Madison County will take over garbage pickup in the non-incorporated areas of theCounty on October 1. Red River will continue to pick up recycles in platted subdivisions.Pickup days and routes for garbage and recycles remain the same.

H e r e a r e l i n k s t o i n f o y o u w i l l f i n d o f u s e a n d i n t e r e s t .h t t p : / / t i n y u r l . c o m / M a d C o R e c y c l e h t t p : / / t i n y u r l . c o m / M a d C o R e c y c l e -listhttp://tinyurl.com/appliancerecycle Other info related to solid-waste/garbage collectionin Madison County

Madison County 2009 Property Tax Roll Reviewand InspectionTuesday, July 14, 2009I know some of you are like me and don't pay much attention to the public notices in theclassified section of local newspapers, but you might want to read this one or you may besurprised when you receive your annual tax statement later this year!

Below is the PUBLIC NOTICE which will run in the Madison County Herald announcingthat the Madison County real and personal property assessment rolls are ready forinspection and examination; also, the instructions to follow if you have objections.

You can either go to the Chancery/Administrative Building in Canton to inspect the rolls,or you can look up the info, including the true market value on your property, athttp://www.madison-co.com/elected_offices/tax_assessor/real_property_search.php

Read more... See PUBLIC NOTICE

Comments1. Re: Madison County 2009 Property Tax Roll Review and Inspection

- userJo July 28, 2009

I think the big increase in taxes is horrible. We already don't get much for the currenttaxes we pay. It took forever for us to get Yandell Rd. redone. The County cleaned outone of our ditches a couple of years ago, or even longer, and left the cuttings. We weretold the equipment was broken or some other excuse. Well, the debris is still there. Ibelieve it's a permanent fixture.

I do appreciate all you do for us and keeping us informed of what is going on. You do agood job but I realize you don't have much support from the other members.

Thanks for the info.

74

http://tinyurl.com/MadCoRecycle

http://tinyurl.com/MadCoRecycle-list

http://tinyurl.com/MadCoRecycle-list

http://tinyurl.com/appliancerecycle

http://www.madison-co.com/elected_offices/tax_assessor/real_property_search.php

PRESS RELEASE: National Association ofCounties (NACo) 2009 Annual ...


Friday, July 31, 2009PRESS RELEASE25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW l Washington, DC 20001 l 202.393.6226 l fax202.393.2630 l www.naco.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jim PhilippsJuly 30, 2009 202-942-4220, [email protected]

Smith works toward strong economic recovery

Joins 3,000 county officials at NACo Annual Conference in Nashville

NASHVILLE, TENN. – D.I. Smith, Supervisor, Madison County participated in theNational Association of Counties’ (NACo) 74th Annual Conference and Exposition inNashville/Davidson County, Tenn. and pledged to work toward economic recovery. Theconference was held July 24-28 in the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center.

More than 3,000 elected and appointed county officials representing nearly every stateand the District of Columbia adopted resolutions on national issues facing counties,including economic development, transportation and infrastructure funding, and access tohealthcare. Attendees also participated in educational seminars and workshops tostrengthen their public service skills and heard from leading national experts on variousissues important to local government.

Smith is a member of the Telecommunications and Technology Steering Committee andthe Information Technology Standing Committee.

D.I. attended the day long Technology Summit, General Sessions, Committee Meetings,and attended the following Educational Sessions: Save Lives by Making Rural RoadSafety a Priority; Transparency: Fulfilling the Promise of Open Government; TheEconomy’s Effect on Counties, Their Non-Profit Partners and the Community; Let THEMTell You Where to Cut; Let Me See Your Body Talk; and Counties Partnering with theFederal Government for Veteran’s Services.

Click here for entire Press Release...

Madison County Tax Sale 2009Saturday, August 08, 2009FINAL RESULTSFinal Results Madison County 2009 Tax Sale - Click to download Excel Spreadsheethttp://htxt.it/4tQY

Sale lasted 2.5 days and was completed Wednesday, Sept 2, at 11:45 AM.------------------------------Monday, Aug 31, 2009, 8 a.m., Justice Court Bldg, Hwy 51 South, Canton, next to

75

http://htxt.it/4tQY


Sheriff's Dept.

As of 8/28/2009, there were 2680 parcels totaling $4.44 million in unpaid taxes andspecial assessments. Download Excel spreadsheet file at http://tinyurl.com/mz639hSo, bring your cash and potentially earn 1.5% per month! If you want to participate andbid on the properties, cl ick here to download Tax Sale Application Formhttp://t inyurl.com/qmhl6y

See more discussion and info... eNews UPDATE: Unredeemed 2006 taxes and 2009 TaxSale Info

Contact the Madison County Tax Collector for more information.

Be in the know... be informed... be aware... be engaged! Join the Madison CountyFacebook Group!

Madison County FY 2010 Budget and Tax LevyFriday, August 21, 2009Summary and comparison of Madison County Tax Levy. A PUBLIC HEARING wasconducted to review the Madison County FY 2010 Budget and associated Tax Levy, andthey were approved by the Board of Supervisors, Tue, September 8, 2009.

Final Draft FY 2010 Tax Levy approved by Board of Supervisors, Sept 8, 2009

Comparison of Tax Levy FY 2008/2009/2010

Summary of Tax Levy FY 2010 - FY 2004

Comparison of 2009 Tax Levy by County, City of Madison and Ridgeland

The proposed 2009-2010 Budget was presented to the Board of Supervisors, Monday,August 17, 2009.

The Madison County Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on a proposedbudget and tax levy for fiscal year 2010 on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. The Board ofSupervisors anticipates no increase in ad valorem taxes for the fiscal year 2009-10.

Click to download NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING This is a must read!!!

Click here to download txt version copy of the Proposed FY 2010 Budget (includes fundand department info)

Click here to download Excel version copy of the Proposed FY 2010 Budget (does notinclude fund and department info)

Click here to download Dept list

Click here to download Fund list

76

http://tinyurl.com/mz639h

http://tinyurl.com/qmhl6y

2009 Madison County Tax Calculator


Monday, November 16, 2009I've developed an Excel Spreadsheet program to allow you calculate and compareestimated taxes based on where you live, school district, and appraised value. It showsregular homestead exemption, over 65 special homestead exemption, and taxes whenthere is no homestead exemption.

REMINDER: Homestead Exemption must be applied for during January through March.Once a new property owner applies, normally they don't have to resubmit.

The spreadsheet contains links to lots of on-line resources and information.

Click here to down Excel Spreadsheet file. http://tinyurl.com/yklc949

Madison County Homestead Exemptions/Over 65Monday, January 18, 2010Homestead Exemption Applications are being accepted in the Tax Assessor's Offices.Click here for Homestead requirements Click here for a Homestead applicationworksheet.

Homestead Exemption Applications are being accepted in the Tax Assessor's Officesthorugh April 1, 2010.

Also, if you have had a birthday in the last year and are now 65 you should apply for your"over 65" exemption! This is really painless... all you need is your Drivers License!

REUNION INTERCHANGE KILLED; MadisonCounty 2010 Road PlanTuesday, February 16, 2010The Madison County effort to be the first county in the State of Mississippi, and one of thefew in the U.S., to build an interstate highway interchange has been canceled and the$21 million of bond money redirected to other projects. See link to the Amend MadisonCounty Road Plan below.

Even though blame is placed squarely on MDOT by some, Madison County only had asmall fraction of the money necessary to build the interchange and it had to be obligatedand spent by March 2011. Or, the bonds would lose their tax exempt status.

Much of the remaining bond money, approximately $21 million, is going to projects ofquestionable priority with low payoff for movement of traffic in Madison County.

Engineering contracts worth over $4M for design and construction oversight of roadprojects were awarded to Warnock & Associates yesterday without review of thecontracts and without considering obtaining quotes (qualifications) from other engineeringfirms.

77

http://tinyurl.com/yklc949


See related news and back ground articles below..

Tim Johnson's Press Release, Feb 1, 2010 http://tinyurl.com/yj9ovcp Click here to seethe Madison County Road Plan Amended, Feb 1, 2010 http://tinyurl.com/yku9uuy2010 Road Affidavit -- District 3 Supervisor, D.I. Smith

Madison County residents plan to protest at supervisorsmeetinghttp://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=11988919 TV 40 News; Monday, Feb 15, 2010http://www.my601.com/default.aspx?articleID=772 Read Madison County Journal articlesand editorials: http://www.onlinemadison.com/Fox 40 TV News coverage ht tp: / / t inyur l .com/y lxx8hm WAPT TV Newsh t t p : / / w w w . w a p t . c o m / m o n e y / 2 2 5 8 3 7 3 5 / d e t a i l . h t m l W L B T T Vh t t p : / / w w w . w l b t . c o m / G l o b a l / s t o r y . a s p ? S = 1 1 9 9 3 3 8 2 W J T V T V N e w shttp://www2.wjtv.com/jtv/news/local/article/road_to_no_where/102100/ Madison CountyJournal http://tinyurl.com/y9lf9om Madison County Herald http://tinyurl.com/ya4o39zThe Clarion Ledger - See photo gallery and commentshttp://tinyurl.com/yhx3torMCH -- Residents/Supervisors Clash over Road Plansht tp : / / t inyur l .com/ya69fv t MCJ - - Edi tor ia l : The Tea Par ty Tax Revol th t tp : / / t inyur l .com/yheb2h7

Another New Solid Waste Landfill in MadisonCounty?Monday, March 29, 2010For your information and action.Time sensitive information!

The NCL Landfill is located on a 165-acre tract of land located in Madison County,Mississippi. NCL currently owns the proposed land and would be operating the landfill.The NCL Landfill would be used for the disposal of non-hazardous household,commercial, and industrial solid wastes generated from the Jackson metropolitan areaand surrounding communities. The proposed capacity of the NCL Landfill would be14,200,000 cubic yards.

Interested parties may provide comments, opinion/statement of opposition.

Among other things, this new landfill will result in huge increases of large truck traffic onMadison County Roads including Hwy 463, Coker, Lake Cavalier, North Livingston,Greens Crossing, Rouser Road, Old Agency, etc.

There are 18 active solid waste landfills in the State of Mississippi. No county has morethan 1 except Madison County, which has two: Little Dixie off North County Line Road,and the sanitary landfill just south of Canton. If this permit is approved, then MadisonCounty will have 3 solid waste landfills out of only 19 in the entire State of Mississippi!

78

http://tinyurl.com/yj9ovcp

http://tinyurl.com/yku9uuy

http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=11988919

http://www.my601.com/default.aspx?articleID=772

http://www.onlinemadison.com/

http://tinyurl.com/ylxx8hm

http://www.wapt.com/money/22583735/detail.html


http://www2.wjtv.com/jtv/news/local/article/road_to_no_where/102100/

http://tinyurl.com/y9lf9om

http://tinyurl.com/ya4o39z

http://tinyurl.com/yhx3tor

http://tinyurl.com/ya69fvt

http://tinyurl.com/yheb2h7


Please help me spread the word and make sure all are aware of the attached PUBLICNOTICE!!!Click here to provide your opinion, questions, comments and concerns regarding thelandfill permit application to the Mississippi Department of Environmental QualityClick here to see Madison County Tax Map of area. The proposed site is at the very topof the map.Click here to see a Google Map of the area.FOX 40 News story, Dustin Barnes, 6.11.2009eNews UPDATE: Call to Action: MadisonCounty Landfill Capital?12/02/09 Northside Sun: New judge to determine fate ofproposed landfill01/21/10 Northside Sun: Landfill01/30/10 MS Digital Daily: NEWS FLASH - Another Madison County Solid Waste Landfill01/20/10 MS Digital Daily: Hearing -- Will Madison County become "Land of Landfills!?"02/21/10 eNews UPDATE -- Madison County: "Land of Landfills!?"03/25/10 Hinds County appeals Madison County Solid Waste Landfill decision to the MSSupreme Court http://tinyurl.com/yhakhkz

Comments1. Re: Another New Solid Waste Landfill in Madison County?

- WebMaster June 09, 2009

List of Counties with Active Solid Waste Landfill sites:AdamsChickasawClayHarrisonJeffersonKemperLauderdaleLefloreMadisonMadisonPearlPerryPontotocScottTippahTunicaWashingtonWinston

2. Re: Another New Solid Waste Landfill in Madison County?

- Anonymous July 01, 2009

What is the minimum guaranteed tax payment to the county expected from the operationof the land fill?

What is the owner-claimed minimum tax payment to the county expected?

Will adequate tax revenues be earmarked for access road repair for major roads thatlead to the landfill?

What buffers are going to be required? ie, 100 foot perimeter landscaped buffer thatmust be maintained by the land fill operator until termination of operations plus oneyear?

79

http://tinyurl.com/yhakhkz


Will a buffer in perpetuity be required?

What zoning will be required?

What buffer zoning will be required?

3. Re: Another New Solid Waste Landfill in Madison County?


I'm pretty sure in one of the BOS meeting that D.I said the areas where he took pictureswere "pristine". Now obviously this is not the case judging from your pictures Mr. Smith.My family has owned land in that area for almost 50 years, and it has been nothing but adumping ground for that entire time. Why not put all your solid waste disposal sites inone part of the county?

Madison County Landfills... how many areenough?Thursday, June 10, 2010You can make a Difference... get involved -- click here for more information, links to newscoverage, complete DEQ survey, provide feedback, etc.

Help Make a Difference! FOR ADDITION INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET INVOLVED,SEE http://tinyurl.com/NCLLandfill

Comments1. Re: Madison County Landfills... how many are enough?

- WebMaster April 10, 2010

Since the video has been posted someone has cleaned up portions of North CountyLine Road and Greens Crossing. However, a load of shingles has been dumped and afree standing stove/range now adorns the area.

2. Re: Madison County Landfills... how many are enough?


Three additional mattresses, several TV monitors, a piano, and several pieces offurniture have recently been picked up on Greens Crossing, Rouser Road, and NorthCounty Line Road

2010 Tax Rolls available for examination andinspectionThursday, July 01, 2010PUBLIC NOTICE: Madison County 2010 Tax Rolls available for inspection andexamination. JUST DO IT -http://tinyurl.com/2cpdfz7

80

http://tinyurl.com/NCLLandfill

http://tinyurl.com/2cpdfz7


Find a problem?Real Property Formal Appeal form

Madison County Considering forming RegionalSolid Waste Managment A...Friday, July 23, 2010The Madison County Board of Supervisors continue the process of setting up a RegionalSolid Waste Management Authority by voting 4-1 during Wednesday's meeting to hire aconsultant to prepare related documents. The estimated cost for this is $30,000 which isnot currently budgeted.

This new bureaucratic organization is supposed to provide "efficiencies."

On Oct 1, 2009, Madison County took over garbage collection requiring the purchase of 6new garbage trucks at nearly a $1 million. Previously, a contractor, Red River, had thecontract and picked up the garbage with 12 employees. The County needs 23 to do thejob and the County doesn't have all the areas that are now annexed by the City ofMadison and Ridgeland. Red River did all that area plus what the County is nowresponsible for!!!

In Sept 2008, Supervisor Tim Johnson defended/argued for the tax increase saying wewere wasting $1 million a year on the privatized garbage collection.

Well, in Sept 2009, when the 2010 budget was prepared, instead of saving a $1M aspromised, $500,000 (1/2 mil) had to be added to Solid Waste. This money was takenfrom the Road and Bridge account, which reduced funds going to County roads and themunicipalities, and created 1/2mil tax reduction for property owners in the municipalities!A loss of precious revenues that were greatly needed.

So, the point is that we had great "efficiencies" when the garbage collection wasprivatized. Now, there is a proposal to form up a Regional Solid Waste ManagementAuthority who will be responsible to no one -- and they are supposed to provide"efficiencies".... Give us a break!

Wonder why one of these is needed in Madison County since we have no shortage oflandfills? There are other "authorities" in the State... but, each was established wherethere was a need for such an organization due to shortage of landfills.

So, what would be the motivation to have an "authority" in Madison County? What are thebenefits? What existing problems would be corrected with such an organization.

Madison County Tax Sale 2010Saturday, August 21, 2010Kay Pace, the Madison County Tax Collector, will be conducting the 2010 Tax Sale, 9A.M., Monday, August 30, at the Madison County Office Building, Canton. See map anddirections at http://tinyurl.com/MadAdmin

81

http://tinyurl.com/MadAdmin


So, Friday, 5 P.M., Aug 27 is the last opportunity to pay 2009 property taxes and avoidadditional fees, penalties and interest payments.

As of 5 P.M., Friday, Aug 20, 2010, there are 2,900 parcels with unpaid taxes and specialassessments equaling approximately $4.4 million. A comma separated variable (CSV) filecan be downloaded at the Tax Collectors web site

I've converted the csv parcel listing to an Excel spreadsheet (xls) file format which can bedownload by clicking here. This file can be searched by owner name, subdivision name,etc.

2010 TAX SALE RESULTS; Thursday, Sep 2, 2010http://tinyurl.com/2ab3vqj

Remember that tax notices are sent to the owner as of Jan 1, 2009; so, it someonebought a property in 2009 the tax bills may have been mailed and forwarded to theprevious owner.

Click here for the Madison County Tax Collector(601) 859-5226

How to locate parcelsWant to find the land record info and location for sale parcels? Click here for the TaxAssessor's web site to search by name, subdivision, address or parcel number.Register for Tax Sale The Tax Sale is conducted as a regular auction with "over-bidding."So, many parcels sell for more than the applicable taxes, etc. Depending on the numberof parcels, the sale can last for more than 2 days.

If you would like to participate click here to download the Tax Sale Registration Form andinformation-------------------------------------See related eNews UPDATE email newsletter athttp://tinyurl.com/26nnf6r

FY 2011 Budget and Tax Levy ProposedThursday, September 02, 2010The Board of Supervisors will hold a PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, Sept 7, 9 A.M, forpublic comment on the proposed FY 2011 Budget and Tax Levy

Click for Budget Fund Summary

Click for Tax Levy 2011 Proposed

Click for FY 2011 Budget Proposed

Madison County Herald article Tight fiscal year ahead for county

82

http://tinyurl.com/2ab3vqj

http://tinyurl.com/26nnf6r


Madison County Contract Oversight is Lax...Sunday, October 31, 2010The Office of the State Auditor has issued "PART I" (Contract Analysis) of a review ofMadison County Engineer contracts. PART II (Financial Analysis) will be issued later.

It is a scathing report of the lack of management oversight by the Madison County Boardof Supervisors; indicating a lack of performance of fiduciary responsibilities by the Board.

The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor has determined that the Madison CountyBoard of Supervisors did not exercise sufficient oversight and management of contractsand payments. In many cases, it appears as if the Board delegated responsibilitieswithout overseeing, reviewing, or questioning contract terms of payments.

Hopefully, the Madison County Board of Supervisors will use the results of this audit toapply "best business practices" and fully comply with the spirit and intent of Stateguidelines to improve delivery of services to the Citizens of Madison County.

Below are links to related news articles and comments:

Jackson Jambalayahttp://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2010/10/here-is-state-auditors-report-on.html

Flora Harvesterhttp://thefloraharvester.blogspot.com/2010/10/and-why-is-overpaid-madison-county.html

http://thefloraharvester.blogspot.com/2010/10/jj-pickering-wimps-out.html

Madison County JournalAudit shows contracts protect engineer instead of taxpayershttp://www.onlinemadison.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=22994&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1

Clarion Ledgerhttp://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201010290344

Audit Report Part 1http://www.clarionledger.com/assets/pdf/D01661181028.PDF

WLBT TVhttp://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=13404743

WAPT TVhttp://www.wapt.com/money/25551404/detail.html

WJTV TVhttp://www2.wjtv.com/jtv/news/local/article/state_auditor_recommends_madison_county_leaders_manage_contracts_better/212371/

FOX40 TVht tp : / /www.my601.com/mostpopular /s tory /engineer ing-cont ract -Madison-

83

http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2010/10/here-is-state-auditors-report-on.html

http://thefloraharvester.blogspot.com/2010/10/and-why-is-overpaid-madison-county.html

http://thefloraharvester.blogspot.com/2010/10/jj-pickering-wimps-out.html

http://www.onlinemadison.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=22994&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1

http://www.onlinemadison.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=22994&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201010290344

http://www.clarionledger.com/assets/pdf/D01661181028.PDF


http://www.wapt.com/money/25551404/detail.html

http://www2.wjtv.com/jtv/news/local/article/state_auditor_recommends_madison_county_leaders_manage_contracts_better/212371/

http://www2.wjtv.com/jtv/news/local/article/state_auditor_recommends_madison_county_leaders_manage_contracts_better/212371/

http://www.my601.com/mostpopular/story/engineering-contract-Madison-County/rGjSaMVGjUqScemo2fYqqA.cspx


County/rGjSaMVGjUqScemo2fYqqA.cspx

2010 PROPERTY TAX BILLSSaturday, November 06, 2010Everyone:

The Madison County Tax Collector, Kay Pace, mailed the 2010 Property Tax NoticesFriday. The notices were mailed to the property owners as of Jan 1, 2010. Anyone whohas purchased property during 2010 may have to contact the previous owner or the TaxCollector to get a copy of their tax bill.

If unpaid, damages accrue after Feb 1, 2011 at the rate of 1% per month.

Click for additional info, see your tax bill and to pay on-line:http://www.madison-co.com/elected_offices/tax_collector/index.php

Click here to see my related eNews UPDATE:http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs095/1102339970295/archive/1103878424364.html

REMEMBER to check to make sure you have applied for HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION.Without homestead, property taxes are 50% higher. Click here to look up your PropertyTax Info http://tinyurl.com/3lv4ky

Also, check to make sure the tax assessor has the correct square footage for you yourhome since it is a key component used to establish the appraised "TRUE" value used intax calculations.

If you want to learn more about property tax calculations, etc., download my ExcelSpreadsheet tax calculator at http://tinyurl.com/27ohk2d

Call or email if you have questions.

Warm regards,

D.I.PROUD TO SERVE MADISON COUNTY!SUPERVISOR, DISTRICT 3www.DISmith.com

Recycling is ResumedSaturday, January 22, 2011Curbside recycling resumed in Madison County, January 12, 2011, with WasteManagement. Recycles in the non-municipal portions of Madison County will be pickedup on WEDNESDAYS!Click here to see the published NOTICE and instructions on how to participate inrecycling if you/your neighborhood is not participating.Click here to see Waste Management LetterWE NEED YOUR HELP... Remember, the more we recycle the less that we pay to put in

84

http://www.my601.com/mostpopular/story/engineering-contract-Madison-County/rGjSaMVGjUqScemo2fYqqA.cspx

http://www.madison-co.com/elected_offices/tax_collector/index.php

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs095/1102339970295/archive/1103878424364.html

http://tinyurl.com/3lv4ky

http://tinyurl.com/27ohk2d


landfills!

Madison County Regional Solid WasteManagement AuthoritySunday, February 13, 2011The Madison County Board of Supervisors has established a REGIONAL Solid WasteManagement Authority and appointed the 3-member Board of Commissioners.

See the background info, Copy of the Mississippi Act allowing Solid Waste Authorities,Madison County Board of Supervisors "Resolution" establishing the Authority, relatednews articles, etc., at http://solidwaste.posterous.com

Comments1. Re: Madison County Regional Solid Waste Management Authority

- WebMaster March 13, 2011

The first regular meeting of the Madison County Solid Waste Management Authority isscheduled for Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 8:30 A.M. The meeting place is theExecutive Conference Room located on the first floor of the Madison County Complexand Administration Building, 125 West North Street, Canton, Mississippi.

2. Re: Madison County Regional Solid Waste Management Authority


The Madison County Board of Supervisors appointed the 3-member Board ofCommissioners for the Madison County Regional Solid Waste Management Authorityduring Monday's meeting in disregard to public outcry and petitions opposing thedecision. The Commisssioners were appointed on a 3-2 split vote with Supervisors D.I.Smith and John Bell Crosby voting NO.

The Commissioners and their term of appointment:

Phillip Shirley 4 years

Robert Bilbrew 2 years

Lawrence Morris 1 year

See Madison County Journal article

FINAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION NOTICE 3-10-2011Monday, March 14, 2011FINAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION NOTICE New Homeowners Over 65 Homeowners(First Time) People who Filed Deeds in 2010 Marital Status Change Social SecurityDisability (First Time)Applications are now being taken until April 1, 2011Homestead Worksheet (pdf) http://tinyurl.com/4v2f8c4

85

http://solidwaste.posterous.com

http://tinyurl.com/4v2f8c4


Homestead Requirements (pdf) http://tinyurl.com/yqbkfkeNews UPDATE: Property Taxes and Homestead Exemptionhttp://tinyurl.com/2bvos4r

Don't know if you have filed for HOMESTEAD? Click here to check the TAX ROLLS

Comments1. Re: FINAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION NOTICE 3-10-2011


Many property owners have failed to file for homestead even after years and years ofownership. And, are paying outrageous amounts of unnecessary taxes as a result.Please check to see if you have filed for homestead, and please remind all friends andneighbors who have recently purchased.

Click to see the Madison County Property Rolls which indicated whether there isHOMESTEAD.

Madison County MS Re-Districting 2011Wednesday, March 16, 2011Judge rules in favor of county, elections to be held on new lines

Everyone needs to read the Attorney Generals comments about the Madison Countyl a w s u i t a n d r u s h i n g t h r o u g h t h e r e d i s t r i c t i n g . . . S e e t h e A G ' scomments:http://tinyurl.com/697opqr AND http://tinyurl.com/5r33cgq I think AG HOOD iscorrect about this matter... why put the entire system in gridlock for no reason!

Existing county maps OK'd for electionsNo time to redistrict before voting, judge says

Judge: Madison County didn't have time to redistrict

***Madison County Journal 3/23/2011*** Supervisors adopt 'Plan 3' map for redistricting

Madison County is in the process of ReDistricting Supervisor and Justice Court Districts.

Jackson Jambalaya 3/22/2011 Madison County Supes: The Fix is in. (Video)

WLBT TV 3/21/2011 Madison supes hold off on redistricting decision

Clarion Ledger 3/21/2011 Madison supervisors reject call for redistricting delay (Be sureto click comments)

A PUBLIC HEARING will be held Monday, March 21, 2011, to provide information andobtain public input on the options. Click here for the Redistricting Guidelines.

PUBLIC HEARING VIDEOS: (Monday, March 21, 2011)PART I http://www.vimeo.com/21325164PART II http://www.vimeo.com/21327749

86

http://tinyurl.com/yqbkfk

http://tinyurl.com/2bvos4r

http://tinyurl.com/697opqr

http://tinyurl.com/5r33cgq

http://www.vimeo.com/21325164

http://www.vimeo.com/21327749


Redistricting only occurs every 10 years; so, we will have to live the consequences for along time. It is important to participate to insure taxpayer concerns are heard and heeded!PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND!

Clickfor Maps and analytical information.SD is Supervisor District; click 30x40 to see map with selected streets.

Clarion Ledger article 3/16/11 Madison County Supes eye redistricting

Madison County Journal 3/17/11 Smith could face Redd in remap

Madison County Herald 3/17/11 Supes to pick 1 of 3 maps at meeting

Madison County Herald 3/3/11 Redistricting sets rules of the game

Comments1. Re: Madison County MS Re-Districting 2011


Many citizens are very concerned about the lack of compactness on the MadisonCounty redistricting options... especially #1 and #3.

2. Re: Madison County MS Re-Districting 2011


CMPDD and Supervisors did not consider where the current ELECTIONCOMMISSIONERS live. Election Commissioners have the same districts as supervisorsand are elected officials. Some Election Commissioners live outside of their districts inthe various options.


- ConcernedCitizen March 17, 2011

The best option is option 2. This is the only option leaving Ingleside, Reunion andAnnandale in District 3. Option 1 puts them in Dist 1; and Option 3 puts them in District2.Option 2 is most compact, moves the least number of people to new districtsunnecessarily, and has the least number of split precincts.

Option 1 and 3 are not COMPACT, result in moving tens of thousands of citizens to newdistricts for no logical reason, and result in more split precincts.The Madison County Election Commissioners were not considered. Their districts arethe same as the Supervisor. Option 3 takes Kakey Chaney out of her District 2 and putshere in District 3 with Pat Truesdale



I have reviewed the three maps and agree that Plan 2 meets more of the requisiteguidelines for reapportionment (the correct term for “redistricting”). The proposeddistricts seem to be more compact, have some greater community of interest than theother two, and will better allow the voting public to understand who represents themwithout so much confusion than the other two more “gerrymandered” districts will causeto the voting public.

87


Remember, reapportionment is not necessarily a “legal” fight for fairness. The courtshave recognized that reapportionment is pure bare knuckles politics and as long as thedistricts do not vary too greatly from the demographics and preserve existing minoritydistricts, if at all possible, they will not substitute their judgment for that of the localgoverning body seeking to reapportion themselves. Plan 2 also has the least overalldeviation (variance) from the population requirements when you average the deviationfactors of the three plans. Plan 2 also most closely follows the existing district lineswhere possible and protects incumbents and keeps incumbents from running againsteach other.



City of Madison to intervene... to oppose lawsuit...

Some residents are complaining that a change this close to elections will confuse voterswho also stand the possibility of being placed in different districts.

Some are going even further, saying the redrawn lines are an attempt to manipulate theelections.

Meanwhile, the city of Madison has filed a motion to intervene, joining with the MadisonCounty Republican Executive Committee in their objection to redistricting before thisyear's elections.

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood has indicated his office will defend the originalqualifying deadline established by the state Legislature.

The county has a hearing with the U.S. District Court April 1 in an attempt to reopenqualifying for county elections until June 1. If they fail, the elections must be held usingthe old district lines.

Join us in the conversation...Sunday, May 22, 2011be the FIRST to KNOW get the scoop on:

• Hot Issues• Meeting Agendas• Rezoning Issues• Property Taxes• And More...

Follow D.I. on Twitter! Be in the know, check it out!

Find me on Facebook; join in the conversation..

88


Be informed, Be aware, Be engagedClick LIKE to become part of the discussion, learn about Madison County news andagenda items for upcoming meetings, and get the opportunity to provide your opinion...you can help make a difference!

• Click here to Join the Madison County Facebook Group• Click here to subscribe to my eNews UPDATE email newsletter• See eNews UPDATE newsletter archives• Please click here and complete survey to provide me your ideas of how to improve

my web/blog. Thanks!• Who is my Supervisor, State Rep, State Sen, Justice Court Judge, School District,

etc.? Click here for Voter Address Library showing district info and polling precinctsbased on street address. Scroll down street names

Comments1. Re: Join us in the conversation...

- Anne March 17, 2009

Please keep up the hard work. We are very concerned the Board is heading towardadditional decisions for more spending that will result in another tax hike. Of course, weare strongly opposed and feel the Board and County should run their business the waywe homeowner/family people do -- by finding ways to better manage what we have noweven though times are hard and unstable.

God bless you!

2. Re: Join us in the conversation...

- Mary March 17, 2009

89


You are so nice to so many people in the county! Even if they are not in your district withthe flood map issue. - always hear about how great you are and how caring you are!Just wanted to let you know that it will take a big stick of dynamite to get you out of officebecause there are too many people that are on your side! You are the best!!!!


- Ron July 14, 2009

Just want to say thank you for the notice on the tax rolls. Your announcement is the firstthat I have heard of it and I appreciate your letting us know what is happening.


- Peggy August 06, 2009

8/6/2009"D I, I started my routine morning at work, coming in and listening to Paul Gallo! Then Irealized you were on there and you were super terrific. I listened to it, inside so proud ofyou and all your work for the county of Madison, Greenwood, Sidon and so on. You areincredible and I just admire you so much for the things you have done in your life. Sidonsure put out some of the best people on earth."


- Brad August 21, 2009

I really enjoy keeping up with your work and interests via this source. Your constituentsare truly blessed to have a man with your substance and convictions working on theirbehalf. Need more like you in public office.


- Shana August 28, 2009

I just wanted to thank you for these newsletters. I send them to my mom who will bemoving here hopefully in the next year from the MS Gulf Coast. She has lots ofquestions about the property tax, etc... These give her a lot of answers.



DI,I salute you for your attempts at keeping Madison County taxpayers informed.



D.I. Smith is the most efficient Supervisor Madison county has ever had and boy havewe had and have now some losers. He needs to teach the rest of these do nothings howto be a representative of the public



This is absolutely outstanding and I applaud your efforts. I hope everybody ingovernment copies what you are doing here – it is the right thing to do.

I applaud your efforts to create meaningful transparency – this is one of the best emails Ihave ever seen from a government official. Thank you for sending and keep up thegood work.


- Gerald August 31, 2009

You are about the most efficient elected official I've ever run across.

90


You ever consider running for President?

Thanks for your help...!!!


- Press September 04, 2009

If everybody took care of business like you do what a different world it would be.Thanks!!!!!!


- Kerry September 05, 2009

D.I.,I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you trying to be transparent with ourCounty government and put it out in front of the People. That's a real change from thepast. Thanks again.


- userJo September 05, 2009

Thanks for keeping us updated with what is going on.


- Barbara September 07, 2009

Thanks for serving and all you do for us.


- userAW September 09, 2009

Mr. Smith, thanks so much for the eNews Updates. These are the things that goodStewards of the Public do. You should position yourself and run for mayor of Madison!!!


- Jay September 09, 2009

I agree with you, D.I. Excellent observation! Madison County needs more rational,forward thinking leaders, such as yourself. Keep up the good work


- Michael September 14, 2009

Wow what an excellent job you are doing representing Madison County.


- Billy October 04, 2009

Hi Mr. Smith,I just spoke to you on the phone. Just wanted to email you and thank you for taking mycall and sharing information. Your service is greatly appreciated.

Mr. Crosby is my supervisor; However, I can always count on you answering the phone!It’s nice being able to get in touch with someone so easily.

Thanks,

Billy


- Tom October 15, 2009

91


Thanks DI. Keep on doing what you're doing. You're making a positive difference.


- Woody March 20, 2010

Please review this attached letter, yet another developer trying to reduce square footageminimums, citing the reason as being the “poor old developer just can’t make enoughmoney with those big ole requirements that we agreed to a while back.” As usual, theboard is probably not going to vote in our favor so we need to try our best to turn out atthis meeting and make things uncomfortable. Also, D. I. Smith isn’t even the boardmember over our neighborhood, but he’s the only one engaged in any kind ofcommunication letting us know what the hell is going on, so we should be thankful for hisefforts.


- TomOwens July 23, 2010

I knew D.I. when I was an ROTC cadet at USM and he was an upperclassman. Whathe is now, he has always been - honest, self disciplined, hard working, and caring.

I don't live in Madison County but wish that we had leaders like him in my county.


- Anonymous July 24, 2010

Just want to say thank you for the notice on the tax rolls. Your announcement is the firstthat I have heard of it and I appreciate your letting us know what is happening.Electronic cigarette


- AnnW August 01, 2010

I want to thank D.I. SMITH.... supervisor for Madison county for keeping everyone soinformed on what is going on. We learn so much from him & he is not even oursupervisor. He is a fine, caring Christian man & we need more people like him in ourpublic offices. He cares about everyone. He is a godly man.


- PamC August 19, 2010

You've been a GREAT supervisor. You certainly have our votes!!!!


- DeboraM August 19, 2010

We will support you in any way possible. You have done an awesome job in your role asSupervisor. The communication and updates from you has kept us all up to date onimportant issues within the county.


- MikeW August 19, 2010

You've got our support and prayers! Thank you for all you for Dinsmor, Ridgeland, andMadison County. You are a wonderful, humble servant!


- JoannaM August 19, 2010

You have our support. We need more godly men like you in public office. Thank you forbeing wonderful example of a Christian public servant.


- JuliaH August 19, 2010

92


I'm on your side! You are the only supervisor that has stood up for the citizens that yourepresent in Madison!!!!!! And I will help you anyway I can.


- AmberS August 19, 2010

You have my support too!


- RobbieE August 19, 2010

You have our vote!


- DanG August 19, 2010

Thank you so much for Speaking at our meeting this morning. Everyone reallyappreciated your passion which you have for your job. Especially your educating us oncurrent County issues. You are a class act and your service to Madison County isunparalleled.


- RonR September 06, 2010

Thanks DI, I am glad we have such a qualified and good person representing us.Thanks for your efforts and hard work.


- DredPorter April 18, 2011

I like how your site is totally socially integrated. Nice touch- QR code.


- StevenP July 05, 2011

"D.I. Smith has served the citizens of Madison county with tremendous dedication,dignity and openness. He has been a breath of fresh air to Madison county anddeserves to continue to serve the citizens of our county."


- WilliamT July 12, 2011

You have the votes from my wife and I. Look forward to you serving again and servingthe citizen's of Madison County. Continue to run a transparent Government and bringdown the corruption that is wasting our hard earned money.

Good Luck and GOD Bless!!! Thank you for your service to our country and fighting forour freedoms we so enjoy today because of it. Have a great weekend!!


- SamM July 13, 2011

DI, Thank you for all of the time you put into keeping the residents of Madison informed.You truly are serving the People of our community, and even though I don’t know how Igot on your email list, I look forward to all of your emails and find them very informative.


- BobbyH July 15, 2011

D. I.,

I know that yours is sometimes a thankless job. I deeply appreciate all that you havedone to make the voters of this county aware of what is happening and what is needed.

93


I especially appreciate that you are doing this even for those who will probably not votefor you—perhaps you will even change their minds. Anyway, thank you for being a realAmerican and a true servant of the people. I especially thank you for taking time in yourbusy schedule to help me with my questions.

Sincerely,

Bobby


- GeorgeM July 17, 2011

A good and honorable man with the Nerves of a combat chopper pilot, toughness of aRanger and an MBA thrown in for good measure. I think I'll vote for DI.


- BillP July 25, 2011

If all of the other supervisors had the devotion and dedication to improve the entirecounty that DI has, Madison county would be so much better off. Even though I wasmoved out of your district, I will still support you all that I can, and thanks again for all ofthe hard work you do for us.


- SteveG July 27, 2011

I wish that I could vote for you. However everywhere I go Im telling them about you.

Madison needs you to survive this redistricting crisis. We will overcome. People have gotto get involved in their county gov't and expose these thugs.


- BobbyH November 01, 2011

Few people impress me with their dedication and service as you do. Thank you so verymuch for making it easy to stay up with the things that are important. I know God isusing you in His own wonderful ways. May God bless you—real good!

Joyfully Serving Christ,

Bobby


- RonF November 01, 2011

You have been a terrific Supervisor and advocate for us. I hope that your successor willcontinue to follow in your footsteps.

Ron

Re-Elect D.I.Friday, June 03, 2011Click and become a "Fan" of Re-Elect D.I. Smith, Supervisor, District 3, Madison County

94


Comments1. Re: Re-Elect D.I.

- WebMaster April 09, 2011

Click to Connect with D.I. on Facebook!

Click to Connect with D.I. on TWITTER!

2. Re: Re-Elect D.I.

- WebMaster May 03, 2011

I use Facebook, and Twitter and YouTube and these various resources to tell the storyto a broader audience. Because it’s not just about newspapers and TV anymore, it’sabout telling my story and bringing it to the people where they look for their information.So a lot of what I do is daily use of these resources. So, get on Facebook and Twitter...

ReElect D.I. "Push Card"Sunday, July 24, 2011Re-Elect D.I. Campaign "push card"

Madison County Election and Absentee BallotsThursday, August 04, 2011Detailed results of District 3 Supervisor race

Madison County Republican Official Recapitulation Primary Election

There were over 1,000 absentee ballots submitted in Madison County. There were alsoscores of affidavit ballots and paper ballots completed when machines were not working.

Many of the absentee ballots are having to be "transcribed" to a scanable ballot to allowthem to be machine counted. So, no absentee ballots have been "COUNTED".. that willbe done by the scanner.

The processing of absentee ballots will resume at 1pm today. After all absentee ballotsare completed, affidavit and paper ballots will be processed.

95


Hopefully, we will have official results sometime later today (Thur).

Madison County 2011 Tax Sale and SPECIALParkway East Supplemental ...Thursday, August 25, 2011Picture from this morning's Tax Sale http://a.yfrog.com/img576/9745/55911109.jpg

Click here for additional information about delinquent taxes http://goo.gl/4Jbis

Madison County Tax Sale and Supplemental Tax Sale 2011 SALE OF LAND FORTAXESThe 2011 Tax Sale and special Supplemental Tax Sale will be held 9 A.M., Monday,August 29, at the Madison County Office Building, Canton. Click here to see additionalinformation on the Madison County Tax Collector's web site.

So, Friday, 5 P.M., Aug 26 is the last opportunity to pay 2010 property taxes and avoidadditional fees, penalities and interest payments.

As of 5 P.M., Tuesday, Aug 23, 2011, there are over 3,000 parcels with unpaid taxes andspecial assessments equaling approximately $4.0 million. A comma separated variable(CSV) file can be downloaded at the Tax Collectors web site

This year's tax sale will be preceded by a special "supplemental tax sale" of ParkwayEast PID parcels. See The Madison County Journal article New legislation allows countyto put delinquent property on tax sale

Here are links to on-line spreadsheets of the tax sale listing and the special tax sale list.http://goo.gl/QG8Dq for web versionhttp://goo.gl/OSZDF Google spreadsheet version

Madison County FY 2012 Proposed Budget andTax LevySunday, September 11, 2011Click here to see the proposed FY 2012 Madison County Budget and Tax Levyhttp://dismithj.posterous.com/madison-county-proposed-budget-fy-2012

2011 Property Tax BillsTuesday, November 01, 2011Back in July 2011, I reminded everyone to examine and inspect your property records.Now the tax bills based on those property rolls are going in the mail.

The Madison County Tax Collector, Kay Pace, will mail the 2011 Property Tax Noticestoday (Nov 1, 2011). The notices are mailed to the property owners as of Jan 1, 2011.

96

http://a.yfrog.com/img576/9745/55911109.jpg

http://goo.gl/4Jbis

http://goo.gl/QG8Dq

http://goo.gl/OSZDF

http://dismithj.posterous.com/madison-county-proposed-budget-fy-2012


Anyone who has purchased property during 2011 may have to contact the previousowner or the Tax Collector to get a copy of their tax bill.

If unpaid, damages accrue after February 1, 2012 at the rate of 1% per month.

Click here for the Madison County Tax Collector (601) 859-5226. For your convenience,tax bills may be viewed and paid on-line.

The 2011 Tax Rolls and information on your property can be found at the MadisonCounty Tax Assessors web site under "Land Roll Express Search."

Additional Property Tax information can be found on the Mississippi Department ofRevenue web site.

November 8th GENERAL ELECTION: WhatState House Dist? What State Se...Wednesday, November 02, 2011I've had several calls and emails wanting to know what State House and State SenateDistrict they lived in... You can see all of the various districts that you are in by clicking onthe link below. Simply scroll down the streets which are in alphabetical order...

You can see the "address library" for all of Madison County athttp://dismithj.posterous.com/madison-county-address-library-july-8-2011

Here is the sample ballot for the Nov 8 General Election - Madison Countyhttp://www.madison-co.com/images/admin/spotedit/attach/10/Sample_Ballot_11-2011_General_Election.pdf

DEQ PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed NorthCounty Line LANDFILLThursday, November 24, 2011The Mississippi Department of EnvironmentalQuality (MDEQ) invites you to a

Public Hearingfor the proposed North County Line LandfillThursday, December 15, 2011starting at 7:00 p.m.

Tougaloo College – Holmes Hall Auditorium500 W County Line Road, Tougaloo, MS(601) 977-7744

For More Information:

Melissa CollierDirector of Community Engagement

97

http://dismithj.posterous.com/madison-county-address-library-july-8-2011

http://www.madison-co.com/images/admin/spotedit/attach/10/Sample_Ballot_11-2011_General_Election.pdf

http://www.madison-co.com/images/admin/spotedit/attach/10/Sample_Ballot_11-2011_General_Election.pdf


MDEQ(601) 961-5025

Lynn ChambersPermit ManagerMDEQ(601) 961-5117CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

98

My Pages

100

Non-customer created content © SharedBook and its licensors. All rights reserved by their respective parties. Patents pending for the SharedBook technology. NOT FOR RESALE. For personal, noncommercial use only. LIABILITY LIMITED TO COST OF PRODUCT.

0101049399

blogblog

blog b

log bl

og bl

og

BLOG

Blog

blog

Blog

BLOGblog

blog

blog BLOG

BLOG

Blog

Blog

Blo

blogblogblogblog

blog

blog

blog

BlogBLOGBlog

BLOG

BLOG

LOG blog

blog

Karl Banks, Dist 4; Paul Griffin, Dist 5; D.I. Smith, Dist 3; Tim Johnson, Dist 2; John BellCrosby, Dist 1

d i smith -madison county supervisor: january 2007 thru december 2011

Documents