2015 Regular Legislative
Session
Preliminary Briefing
By: Steve A. Gray
Fiscal Update for 2016
• The State General Fund ran about $88 million higher in October,
November, and December 2014 than expected.
• The Legislature could have up to $200 million in additional income for
the fiscal year 2016 budget to be adopted during this session.
• In addition to the $88 million, there currently is about $112 million in
set-aside money that could be appropriated. The $112 million was set
aside because the State’s “rainy day fund” is completely funded.
Governor’s Budget
Recommendations
2015 Regular Legislative Session
Governor’s Recommendations Impacting
County Government
• Another $32 million for State Aide Road Construction, making the
total $52 million. (This would reflect last years revenue) The Office of
State Aid Road Construction is also making this same request.
• 2.5 percent increase in MAEP from last years appropriation
• 3.2 percent increase in the Homestead Exemption Reimbursement.
(This increases the reimbursement from $84,454,641 to $87,150,000)
• Mississippi Department of Correction is level funded.
Joint Legislative Budget
Committee
Recommendations
2015 Regular Legislative Session
Joint Legislative Budget Committee
Recommendations Impacting County Government
• Additional $20 million for State Aide Road Construction, making the
total $40 million.
• 1.4 percent increase in MAEP from last years appropriation
• Level funding of the Homestead Exemption Reimbursement. (This
reflects a reimbursement of $84,454,641 from last year)
• Mississippi Department of Correction is level funded.
3 Major Core Issues
General/Revenue Bills
• County Infrastructure Funding (Short-Term)
• 911 Funding
• Local Government Debt-Setoff
MAS 2015 Legislative
Proposals
MAS 2015 Proposals
Proposal 1
The Mississippi Association of Supervisors requests legislation that will
provide a salary realignment for county supervisors.
Proposal 2
The Mississippi Association of Supervisors requests legislation that transfers
25 cents from the reimbursement received by cell phone providers from the
911 surcharge to help with 911 funding.
Proposal 3
The Mississippi Association of Supervisors requests legislation that will
provide county governments the ability to reject state issued highways.
MAS 2015 Proposals Cont’d
Proposal 4
The Mississippi Association of Supervisors requests legislation that will
establish a Debt Collection Clearinghouse for local governments.
Proposal 5
The Mississippi Association of Supervisors requests legislation that will
allow county government to utilize Local System Bridge Program (LSBP)
for State Aid Roads Projects.
MAS 2015 Ongoing
Initiatives
MAS 2015 Ongoing Initiatives
Initiative 1
The Mississippi Association of Supervisors requests legislation to keep a permanent funding
steam for the Local System Bridge Program (LSBP) in the State Aid Road Construction’s
appropriation budget. The Mississippi Association of Supervisors also request that the LSBP
be funded at $30 million or more.
Initiative 2
The Mississippi Association of Supervisors requests full statutory reimbursement for
homestead exemption credits.
Initiative 3
The Mississippi Association of Supervisors requests legislation to make the 2015 round
acquisition of the Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program.
Initiative 4
The Mississippi Association of Supervisors requests legislation to establish the “Beaver Control
Assistance Program” (BCAP) in the form of a grant program administered by the State.
MAS 2015 Ongoing Initiatives
Initiative 5
The Mississippi Association of Supervisors requests legislation granting counties
discretionary authority over homeowners association.
As of the First Week of Session
• Raising the homestead exemption cap (75k to 100k) for the 65 and
older and totally disable.
• Ask your members to recommend a PEER study on this issue, with heavy
public engagement before attempting to raise the cap.
• 911 Funding: Delay Tactic
Helpful Reminders
• “Don’t expect what you are not willing to
inspect”
• “Discipline affects decisions”
2015 PDD Capitol Visits
• Wednesday January 21st Golden Triangle PDD
• Tuesday January 20th Three Rivers PDD
• Wednesday February 11th Central PDD
• Tuesday February 17th North Central PDD
• Wednesday January 28th South Delta PDD
• Tuesday February 24th Northeast PDD
• Tuesday February 3rd East Central PDD
• Tuesday March 10th Southwest PDD
• Wednesday February 4th Southern PDD
• Tuesday March 17th North Delta PDD