Mississippi House Bill HB93

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/24
• Refer: 1/17/24
• Failed: 3/27/24

Caption

Bonds; authorize issuance to assist City of Baldwyn with paving Smithy Drive.

Impact

The enactment of HB93 will create a dedicated fund within the State Treasury named the '2024 City of Baldwyn Smithy Drive Fund.' Funds will be used exclusively for the costs associated with the pavement project and any related expenditures. The bill includes specific provisions ensuring that any unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year will remain available for future disbursement rather than reverting to the state's General Fund. This financial mechanism is intended to provide financial stability for local infrastructure projects beyond the current fiscal year.

Summary

House Bill 93 seeks to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds to fund infrastructure improvements in the City of Baldwyn, Mississippi. Specifically, the bill aims to provide financial assistance for the construction and engineering costs associated with paving Smithy Drive. The proposal intends to enhance local roadways, thereby addressing both safety and accessibility concerns for residents in the area. The total amount of bonds to be issued is capped at $102,595, with provisions allowing for these bonds to mature in up to 25 years from their date of issue.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on local infrastructure improvements, the issuance of state bonds raises potential concerns regarding the long-term financial implications for the state. The commitment of state-supported funding to a local project presents a trade-off between immediate community benefits and the broader fiscal responsibilities of the state. Critics could argue that funds allocated for such projects might detract from other pressing state needs or could lead to increased debt obligations for Mississippi. Proponents of the bill, however, likely emphasize the importance of investing in local infrastructure to drive economic development and enhance community welfare.