Mississippi and Florida Counties Propose Millage Increases to Fund Justice Facilities and Infrastructure

The Hinds County Board of Supervisors in Mississippi discussed a proposed millage rate increase that would add about $2.50 per month, or $30 per year, to the average homeowner's bill. The measure, expected to raise roughly $2.3 million annually, would fund a new criminal‑justice facility designed to house more than 800 individuals, as well as upgrades to county buildings, boilers, elevators and other public infrastructure. Board President Robert Graham said the existing facility has security and capacity issues, while some residents cautioned that better management of current spending should be considered before raising taxes.

In Hillsborough County, Florida, commissioners set a ceiling on property‑tax rates as part of a $14.14 billion fiscal‑year‑2027 budget plan. The proposed aggregate millage rate of 5.4212 mills represents a modest 0.4 % increase over the rolled‑back rate and includes allocations for general revenue, debt service tied to environmentally sensitive lands, and a municipal services tax supporting unincorporated areas. The budget emphasizes public‑safety funding, water‑infrastructure projects and other capital needs, with the County Administrator’s recommendation reflecting a $2.1 billion increase over the current spending plan.