Greenwood sets its 1st property tax increase in 11 years

GREENWOOD, Miss. (AP) - Local taxes are increasing for the first time in 11 years in one Mississippi city.

The Greenwood City Council has approved a 4.1 percent increase in property taxes for the budget year starting Oct. 1.

The Greenwood Commonwealth reports the additional money will help fund a previously approved pay raise for police officers and firefighters. It also will help pay the increased cost of health insurance for city employees.

The city will have a $12.2 million budget in the new year, up from the current $11.7 million.

Officials had to pull $500,000 out of cash reserves to get through the current year, leaving a reserve balance of $2.7 million.

Greenwood resident Annie Pearl Washington says she doesn’t mind paying higher taxes “if it is for a good cause.”