New argument continues strife in 1 1/2-year battle

City and county officials are at odds again over funding for emergency 911 services, but this time it is over who should ask the Legislature for authority to increase telephone surcharges.

The Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted Tuesday to request that authority in order to fully fund the emergency dispatching center with annual subsidies from the local governments. At the same time, Warren County supervisors tabled a request to seek that authority, saying any request for the increase should come from the E-911 Commission.

The proposed increase would raise the monthly charge from $1 to $2.50 for residential lines and from $2 to $5 for businesses. The proceeds are expected to fully fund 911. The idea came from Mayor Laurence Leyens as a way to end the 1 1/2-year debate between the two boards over subsidies from the city and county.

The two boards fund shortfalls in the $840,000 annual budget through an interlocal agreement that must be renegotiated every year. How that amount should be split led to them not reaching an agreement last year until well into the new year.

Warren County supervisors tabled a request from the city to support the legislation saying they would wait to hear from the E-911 Commission first.

“Nowhere in here is a mention of what is to happen to the tax that is being levied to subsidize as we operate. If you are going to raise the rate, you should be in a position to reflect to the taxpayers where that additional tax is going. Are you going to rebate it, or are you going to use it for something else?” asked Richard George, president of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.

This year, the city agreed to fund about $266,751, and the county, $114,322 to cover the shortfall.

“Absolutely, I will be happy to reduce taxes by an eighth of a mill,” Leyens said adding that would reduce the total amount collected in city taxes equal to the subsidy.

The Legislature sets the maximum for the surcharge, but it requires approval by the Warren County Board of Supervisors before residents are charged. This year is an election year for all five county supervisors, which could make it an unpopular idea.

Supervisors have also said they are concerned about the state’s budget problems and how it could affect funding for local agencies.

City backing relaxing rules on animal euthanasia

City officials are asking Warren County’s delegates to the Legislature to support a bill that would make it less expensive to put unwanted animals to sleep.

The Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted Tuesday to support a Senate bill that would allow a registered technician to administer the drugs used to put animals to sleep without having a licensed veterinarian present. The bill was presented by Sen. William Canon, R-Columbus.

State law currently requires a vet to be in the building even if he or she is not giving the shot.

“That means we’re having to ship all of our animals to Jackson to be put down, and it’s very expensive,” said Mayor Laurence Leyens.

Animal control has become a hot topic in Warren County with city and county officials looking for a less expensive solution to the ever-growing population of unwanted animals. The city currently spends about $190,000 annually.

In another legislative matter, the city board is asking for local and private legislation to allow the city to sell or lease for less than fair-market value federal property given to the city of Vicksburg. That would allow the city to sell or lease the downtown post office which is to be handed over to the city this year.

Other legislation the city is seeking would allow Vicksburg to donate money to Keep Vicksburg Warren Beautiful, to give tax abatement for improvements on business outside the downtown historic district and to comply with federal requirements for grants.

In other matters, the city board:

Approved the city board’s minutes from Dec. 16.

Authorized final payment on the Halls Ferry Road project.

Awarded bids for mosquito spray and towing services.

Declared an emergency for the purchase of gas pressure-control equipment for $24,100.

Entered into a $295,000 contract for the construction of a monument to black Civil War soldiers to be placed in the Vicksburg National Military Park. The project is being funded by a state grant.

Approved a $300 ad with the Miss Mississippi Pageant.

Approved training for Vicksburg firefighters.

Approved the purchase of 1,300 chairs for the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Approved the claims docket.

The city board will meet again at 10 a.m. Friday at City Hall Annex.