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

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 21 st Golden Triangle PDD Tuesday January 20 th Three Rivers PDD Wednesday January 28 th South Delta PDD Tuesday February 3 rd East Central PDD Wednesday February 4 th Southern PDD Wednesday February 11 th Central PDD Tuesday February 17 th North Central PDD Tuesday February 24 th Northeast PDD Tuesday March 10 th Southwest PDD Tuesday March 17 th North Delta PDD